Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 28 September 2023, Thursday (09-28-23). 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.
Assistant in ministry : ACOLYTE
The word "acolyte" refers to a person who assists in religious ceremonies, particularly in Christian ministry. They often assist priests or ministers during worship services. Therefore, "acolyte" is the correct answer for "Assistant in ministry" in the crossword puzzle.
Aziz Ansari’s “Parks and Recreation” role : TOM Down 1 NASCAR driver Johnson
The answer is "TOM" because Tom Haverford is the character played by Aziz Ansari in the TV show "Parks and Recreation".
Baylor University’s city : WACO
The answer to "Baylor University's city" is "WACO" because Waco is the city in Texas where Baylor University is located.
Big name in stream-of-consciousness writing : WOOLF
The answer "WOOLF" is the right solution because Virginia Woolf is a well-known and influential writer associated with stream-of-consciousness writing.
Buddy ___ : SYSTEM
The answer to "Buddy ___" is "SYSTEM" because the word "system" can be used to refer to a group of interacting or interrelated components, which can be seen as buddies working together.
Bygone owner of Capitol Records : EMI
The answer "EMI" is the right solution because EMI (Electric and Musical Industries) was a well-known and influential owner of Capitol Records in the past.
Cell messenger : RNA
The answer to "Cell messenger" is "RNA" because RNA, or Ribonucleic acid, is a molecule that carries genetic information and acts as a messenger within cells. It plays a crucial role in protein synthesis and gene expression.
Certain subtracted weight : TARE
The answer "TARE" is the right solution because it refers to the weight of a container or packaging material that is subtracted from the total weight of goods. It is commonly used in industries such as shipping and agriculture.
Cinnamon roll topping : ICING
The right solution for "Cinnamon roll topping" is "ICING" because icing is a sweet glaze that is commonly drizzled or spread on top of cinnamon rolls to add flavor and sweetness.
City connected to Ciudad Juárez by the Bridge of the Americas : EL PASO
The Bridge of the Americas connects Ciudad Juárez, which is in Mexico, to El Paso, which is a city in Texas. Therefore, the correct answer to the clue is "EL PASO".
Cocktails with orange peel garnishes : NEGRONIS
The answer to "Cocktails with orange peel garnishes" is "NEGRONIS" because Negronis are a classic cocktail made with equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, and are traditionally garnished with an orange peel.
Common five-petaled flower : VIOLET
The answer to "Common five-petaled flower" is "VIOLET" because violets are a type of flower that typically have five petals.
Cuts (off) : LOPS
The word "LOPS" is the right solution because it means to cut off or remove something, typically branches or parts of a plant.
Dismal : DIRE
The word "dire" is a suitable answer to the clue "dismal" because it means extremely serious, urgent, or dreadful, which aligns with the negative and gloomy connotation of "dismal."
Econ. stat : GDP
The answer "GDP" is short for Gross Domestic Product, which is a common economic statistic used to measure the total value of goods and services produced within a country. It is often used as an indicator of a country's economic health and growth.
Ending with stand or step : -INS
The answer "-INS" is the right solution because it is a common ending that can be added to words like "stand" or "step" to form new words such as "stands" or "steps."
Ending with Wikipedia : DOT ORG
The answer "DOT ORG" is the right solution because the domain name for Wikipedia's website ends with ".org".
Frequent flier? : JET
The answer "JET" is the right solution because frequent fliers often travel by jet planes.
Give the go-ahead : LET
The word "let" can mean to give permission or to allow something to happen. Therefore, it is the right answer to the clue "Give the go-ahead."
Go-ahead : A-OK
"Nod" can mean a signal of approval or permission to proceed, which can be interpreted as a "go-ahead".
Green onion : SCALLION
The answer to "Green onion" is "SCALLION" because scallions are a type of onion that have long green stalks and a mild flavor. They are often used in cooking and are commonly referred to as green onions.
Hacky Sack hitter : KNEE
The answer "KNEE" is the right solution because when playing hacky sack, you typically use your knee to hit the sack and keep it in the air.
Heavy tool : SLEDGE
The answer to "Heavy tool" is "SLEDGE" because a sledge is a large, heavy hammer typically used for breaking or driving objects.
Holder of a record 21 Oscar nominations for acting : STREEP
The answer "STREEP" is the right solution because Meryl Streep holds the record for the most Oscar nominations for acting, with a total of 21 nominations.
Ingredient in some lotions : ALOE
The answer is "ALOE" because aloe is a common ingredient found in many lotions due to its soothing and moisturizing properties.
It’s just a guess : Abbr.
The answer to "It's just a guess" is "Abbr." because "Abbr." is short for abbreviation, which means it's a shortened form of a word or phrase. In this case, it implies that the guess is not a definitive answer, but rather a shortened or abbreviated possibility.
Jerky? : IMPOLITE
The answer to "Jerky?" is "IMPOLITE" because "jerky" can be used to describe someone who is rude or ill-mannered, which is synonymous with being impolite.
Key signature with three sharps, followed by “Court athlete, slangily” : BALLER IN A (looks like “ballerina”)
The key signature with three sharps is A major. "Court athlete, slangily" is a term often used to refer to a basketball player, commonly known as a "baller." Combining these two clues gives us "BALLER IN A," which can be interpreted as "baller in A major." The answer "BALLER IN A" is a play on words, resembling "ballerina," but with a different meaning.
Key signature with three sharps, followed by “Most wan” : PALEST IN E (looks like “Palestine”)
Key signature with three sharps, followed “Leaf-raking time” : FALL IN G-FLAT (looks like “falling flat”)
The key signature with three sharps is G major, which is represented by the letter "G" followed by a "#" symbol. "Leaf-raking time" is a clue that refers to the season of fall. Combining "fall" with "G-flat" (which looks like "falling flat") gives us "FALL IN G-FLAT," indicating that the answer is G-flat major.
Key signature with zero sharps or flats, followed by “Some energy drinks” : MONSTERS IN C (looks like “Monsters, Inc.”)
The answer is "MONSTERS IN C (looks like “Monsters, Inc.”)" because the key signature with zero sharps or flats is the key of C major, and "Some energy drinks" refers to the popular brand "Monster Energy drinks." The clue cleverly combines these two elements to create a playful and creative answer.
Knight on the Hollywood Walk of Fame : GLADYS
The answer "Gladys" is the right solution because Gladys Knight, a famous American singer, has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Like many rib-eye steaks : BONE-IN
The answer "BONE-IN" is the right solution because many rib-eye steaks are prepared and served with the bone still attached.
Made a semi circle, say? : STEERED
The answer "STEERED" fits the clue because when you make a semi-circle, you are changing direction or guiding something, which is what "STEERED" means.
Made good : ATONED
The answer "ATONED" fits the clue "Made good" because it means to make amends or make up for a wrongdoing, which can be seen as making something good again.
Martial arts rank : DAN
The term "DAN" is commonly used in martial arts to denote a rank or level of expertise. It is a Japanese word that signifies a degree of proficiency.
Nag (at) : GNAW
The word "GNAW" means to persistently bite or chew on something. When someone nags at you, they are constantly bothering you or irritating you, just like the action of gnawing. Therefore, "GNAW" is the right answer to the clue "Nag (at)".
New Hampshire city : NASHUA
The answer to "New Hampshire city" is "NASHUA" because Nashua is a city located in the state of New Hampshire.
O.R. workers : RNS
The answer "RNS" stands for Registered Nurses, which are commonly referred to as O.R. workers in the medical field.
Pasta ___ Norma : ALLA
The answer "ALLA" is the right solution because "Pasta ___ Norma" is a common Italian dish made with pasta, eggplant, tomato sauce, and cheese. "Alla" is an Italian term that means "in the style of" or "with." Therefore, "Pasta ___ Norma" indicates that the dish is prepared in the style of Norma, and "ALLA" is the missing word that completes the phrase.
Place to order patatas bravas : TAPAS BARS
The answer "TAPAS BARS" is the right solution because patatas bravas are a popular Spanish dish often served as tapas, which are small plates of food typically enjoyed in bars. Therefore, a "Place to order patatas bravas" would be a tapas bar.
Portmanteau for a certain self-taken video on a smartphone : SLOFIE
The answer "SLOFIE" is the right solution because it is a portmanteau of the words "slow" and "selfie." It refers to a certain self-taken video on a smartphone that is recorded in slow motion.
Power tool in carpentry : NAILER
The answer "NAILER" is the right solution because it is a power tool commonly used in carpentry to drive nails into wood.
Princess Fiona, for one : OGRE
The answer "OGRE" is the right solution because Princess Fiona is a character from the movie "Shrek," and in the movie, Fiona turns into an ogre.
Qty. : AMT
The abbreviation "Qty." stands for "quantity". The answer "AMT" is a common abbreviation for "amount", which is a synonym for quantity. Therefore, "AMT" is the right solution for "Qty." in this crossword clue.
Rambles : ROVES
The word "ROVES" is the right solution because it is a synonym for "rambles." Both words refer to wandering or moving around aimlessly.
Raw power : SINEW
The answer "SINEW" is the right solution for the clue "Raw power" because sinew refers to strong and tough tissue in the body, often associated with physical strength.
Recipe abbr. : TSP
The abbreviation "TSP" stands for teaspoon, which is commonly used in recipes to measure small amounts of ingredients. Therefore, "TSP" is the correct answer for the clue "Recipe abbr."
Setting for a teacup, maybe : DOILY
The answer "DOILY" is the right solution because a doily is a small decorative mat that is often placed under a teacup to protect the surface it is placed on. It is commonly used as a setting for a teacup, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Shook hands, say : MET
The answer "MET" is the right solution because when you shake hands with someone, you meet them in person.
Skirt option : MINI
The answer to "Skirt option" is "MINI" because the word "MINI" is commonly used to describe a short skirt that falls above the knee.
Some Friskies offerings : CAT TREATS
The answer "CAT TREATS" is the right solution because Friskies is a popular brand that produces food and treats specifically for cats. Therefore, "Some Friskies offerings" refers to the treats made by Friskies for cats, which are commonly known as "CAT TREATS."
Some splattery paintings at MoMA : POLLOCKS
The answer "POLLOCKS" is the right solution because it refers to the renowned artist Jackson Pollock, who was known for his unique style of abstract expressionist paintings that often involved splattering and dripping paint onto canvas. These paintings are indeed featured at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).
Stand in a studio : EASEL
The answer "EASEL" is the right solution because it is a stand commonly used in a studio to hold a canvas or a painting while an artist is working on it.
Talent show performance, say : STAGE ACT
The answer "STAGE ACT" fits the clue "Talent show performance, say" because talent shows often feature various acts performed on a stage.
Texter’s indication of uncertainty : IDK
The answer "IDK" is the right solution because it is a commonly used abbreviation in text messages that stands for "I don't know." It indicates uncertainty or lack of knowledge in a casual and concise way.
Toronto athlete, familiarly : LEAF
The answer to "Toronto athlete, familiarly" is "LEAF" because the Toronto Maple Leafs is a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Canada. The team is commonly referred to as the Leafs, making "LEAF" the right solution.
Video game hero who battles the evil Dr. Wily : MEGA MAN
The answer "MEGA MAN" is the right solution because Mega Man is a popular video game hero known for battling the evil Dr. Wily.
Weed in some medicinal wine : DANDELION
The answer is "DANDELION" because it is a type of weed that is commonly used in medicinal wine.
Wii Sports sport : TENNIS
The answer to "Wii Sports sport" is "TENNIS" because tennis is one of the sports included in the Wii Sports video game.
Work considered by some to be the first Romantic-era symphony : EROICA
The answer "EROICA" is the right solution because it refers to Beethoven's Symphony No. 3, which is often considered the first symphony of the Romantic era.
Zippo alternative : BIC
The answer to "Zippo alternative" is "BIC" because BIC is a well-known brand that produces lighters, just like Zippo. They are both popular choices for lighting cigarettes or starting fires.
___ Jones : DOW
The answer "DOW" is the right solution because "Jones" refers to the Dow Jones Industrial Average, a stock market index that represents the performance of 30 large publicly-owned companies in the United States.
___ memory (ability to recall images with high precision) : EIDETIC
The answer "EIDETIC" is the right solution because it refers to the ability to recall images with high precision, also known as photographic memory.
“Twilight” vampire : EDWARD
The answer is "EDWARD" because Edward is the name of the vampire character in the book and movie series "Twilight".