Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 16 October 2023, Monday (10-16-23). 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.
911 responders, in brief : EMTS
The answer to "911 responders, in brief" is "EMTS" because EMTs, which stands for Emergency Medical Technicians, are the first responders who provide medical assistance in emergency situations.
Actress Tyler : LIV
The answer to "Actress Tyler" is "LIV" because Liv Tyler is an actress known for her roles in movies like "Armageddon" and "The Lord of the Rings."
Actress Vardalos or Long : NIA
The answer to the clue "Actress Vardalos or Long" is "NIA" because both Nia Vardalos and Nia Long are well-known actresses in the entertainment industry.
Ancient rival of Athens : SPARTA
The ancient city-state of Sparta was a well-known rival of Athens in ancient Greece. They were two powerful and influential cities that often clashed in military and political conflicts. Therefore, "SPARTA" is the right answer to the clue "Ancient rival of Athens."
Arkansas’s ___ Mountains : OZARK
The answer "OZARK" is the right solution because the Ozark Mountains are a prominent mountain range in Arkansas.
Avid fans of cinema … or a punny description of 17-, 31-, 40- and 47- : MOVIE BUFFS
The answer "MOVIE BUFFS" is the right solution because it fits the clue "Avid fans of cinema". A "buff" is a term used to describe someone who is enthusiastic and knowledgeable about a particular subject, in this case, movies. Therefore, "MOVIE BUFFS" accurately describes people who are passionate about and have extensive knowledge of cinema.
B, gradewise : GOOD
The answer to "B, gradewise" is "GOOD" because in the context of grading, "B" is considered a good grade.
Be an omen of : BODE
The word "bode" means to be an omen of something, indicating or foreshadowing a future event. Therefore, "bode" is the right answer for the clue "Be an omen of."
Berry said to be a “superfood” : ACAI
The answer "ACAI" is the right solution because the berry called acai is widely considered a "superfood" due to its high levels of antioxidants and nutritional benefits.
Bit of celery or broccoli : STALK
The answer to "Bit of celery or broccoli" is "STALK" because both celery and broccoli have long, slender stems that are commonly referred to as stalks.
Bitter criticism : VITRIOL
The word "vitriol" is often used to describe harsh and bitter criticism. It is a term that refers to a corrosive substance, and metaphorically, it represents the harshness and negativity often associated with critical remarks. Therefore, "vitriol" is the right solution for the clue "Bitter criticism."
Bowie collaborator Brian : ENO
The answer is "ENO" because Brian Eno is a well-known musician and producer who has collaborated with David Bowie on several projects.
Boy : LAD
The answer "LAD" is a suitable solution for the clue "Boy" because "lad" is a term commonly used to refer to a young boy or teenager.
Buttinskies : YENTAS
The term "buttinskies" refers to people who meddle or interfere in other people's business. "Yentas" is a Yiddish term commonly used to describe gossipers or busybodies. Both words convey a similar meaning, making "YENTAS" the right solution for the clue.
Campus digs : DORM
The answer to "Campus digs" is "DORM" because a dormitory, or dorm for short, is a common type of housing for students on a college or university campus.
Closes, as a jacket or travel bag : ZIPS
The answer "ZIPS" is the right solution because it refers to the action of closing a jacket or travel bag using a zipper. The word "ZIPS" is a verb that means to fasten or close something by sliding the zipper.
Derrière : TUSH
The word "derrière" is a French term for "behind" or "bottom." "TUSH" is a slang term that means the same thing, making it the right solution for this clue.
Dinner’s main course : ENTREE
The answer to "Dinner's main course" is "ENTREE" because in many dining traditions, the entrée refers to the main dish that is served after the appetizer or starter.
Distress signal device : FLARE
The answer "FLARE" is the right solution because it is a distress signal device commonly used to attract attention in emergency situations.
Drop in the mail : SEND
The word "SEND" is the right answer because when we drop something in the mail, we are sending it to someone or somewhere.
Filbert or pecan : NUT
The answer is "NUT" because both filbert and pecan are types of nuts.
Finish school : GRADUATE
The answer to "Finish school" is "GRADUATE" because when you graduate, it means you have completed your studies and successfully finished school.
Flip one’s lid? : UNCAP
The phrase "flip one's lid" is an idiom that means to become extremely angry or lose control. "Uncap" refers to removing the cap from a bottle or container. In this context, "flip one's lid" can be interpreted as metaphorically "uncapping" or losing control. Therefore, "uncap" is the right answer to the clue.
Game like paintball, but without the paint or the balls : LASER TAG
The answer to the clue "Game like paintball, but without the paint or the balls" is "LASER TAG" because laser tag is a game similar to paintball, but instead of using paint-filled pellets, players use infrared beams to tag each other.
Get a closer view, as with a camera : ZOOM IN
The answer "ZOOM IN" is the right solution because it accurately describes the action of getting a closer view with a camera. When you "zoom in" with a camera, you adjust the lens to bring the subject closer and capture more detail.
Halloween disguises : MASKS
The answer to "Halloween disguises" is "MASKS" because masks are commonly worn to hide or alter one's appearance during Halloween, allowing people to dress up as different characters or creatures.
Hunky co-star of the “Fast & Furious” franchise : DWAYNE JOHNSON
The answer "DWAYNE JOHNSON" is the right solution because he is a hunky co-star who has appeared in multiple movies in the "Fast & Furious" franchise.
Hunky co-star of “Rocky III” : MR T
The answer "MR T" is the right solution because he played the hunky co-star character Clubber Lang in the movie "Rocky III".
Hunky star of “Aquaman” : JASON MOMOA
The answer "JASON MOMOA" is the right solution because he is a hunky star who played the lead role in the movie "Aquaman".
Hunky star of “Magic Mike” : CHANNING TATUM
The answer is "CHANNING TATUM" because he is a hunky actor who starred in the movie "Magic Mike".
Info for a computer : DATA
The answer to "Info for a computer" is "DATA" because data refers to the information or facts that can be processed or stored by a computer.
Inlaid tile design : MOSAIC
The answer to "Inlaid tile design" is "MOSAIC" because a mosaic is a decorative design made by arranging small colored tiles or pieces of glass in a pattern.
Lacking fizz, as soda : FLAT
The word "flat" can be used to describe soda that has lost its carbonation or fizziness. Therefore, "flat" is the correct answer to the clue "Lacking fizz, as soda."
Letter represented by a peace sign : VEE
The letter "V" is represented by a peace sign because the peace sign is made up of two lines forming a "V" shape. Therefore, "VEE" is the correct answer.
Like pots made by a potter : CERAMIC
The answer "CERAMIC" is the right solution because pots made by a potter are typically made of ceramic material.
Like skim milk : NONFAT
The answer "NONFAT" is the right solution because skim milk is a type of milk that has had all or most of its fat content removed. Therefore, it is nonfat or contains very little fat.
Like the odds of getting dealt a royal flush : SLIM
The odds of getting dealt a royal flush in a standard 5-card poker hand are very low. Therefore, the term "SLIM" accurately describes the likelihood of this happening.
Long-barreled gun : RIFLE
The answer to "Long-barreled gun" is "RIFLE" because a rifle typically has a long barrel, which helps with accuracy and range.
Lt. col.’s inferior : MAJ
The answer "MAJ" is the right solution because in military rankings, a Lieutenant Colonel (Lt. col.) is superior to a Major (MAJ). Therefore, a Lt. col.'s inferior would be referred to as a MAJ.
Lumberjacks swing them : AXES
The answer is "AXES" because lumberjacks use axes to cut down trees.
Make beloved : ENDEAR
The word "ENDEAR" means to make beloved or to make someone feel loved and cherished. It fits perfectly with the clue "Make beloved" as it directly describes the action of endearing someone to oneself.
More foggy : HAZIER
The word "HAZIER" is the right solution because it means "more foggy." It is formed by adding the comparative suffix "-IER" to the word "HAZE," indicating a greater degree of haziness.
Nonmainstream, as music : INDIE
The term "indie" is short for independent, and in the context of music, it refers to music that is produced and distributed independently from major record labels. Indie music is known for its nonmainstream and alternative sound, making "INDIE" the perfect answer to the clue.
Opposite of bright : DIM
The word "dim" means lacking brightness or being not bright. It is the opposite of the word "bright."
Orchestra woodwind : OBOE
The answer to "Orchestra woodwind" is "OBOE" because the oboe is a woodwind instrument commonly found in orchestras.
Partner for a mama : PAPA
The answer is "PAPA" because "mama" and "papa" are commonly used terms for parents, with "mama" referring to the mother and "papa" referring to the father.
Pharmaceutical watchdog org. : FDA
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is a government agency responsible for regulating and overseeing pharmaceutical products in the United States. Therefore, it is the appropriate answer for the clue "Pharmaceutical watchdog org."
Pooh and Piglet creator : MILNE
The answer is "MILNE" because A.A. Milne is the author who created the beloved characters of Pooh and Piglet in the Winnie-the-Pooh books.
Popular toaster waffles : EGGOS
The answer "EGGOS" is the right solution because it is a well-known brand of toaster waffles that are popular among many people.
Pub offering, for short : IPA
The answer "IPA" is the right solution to the clue "Pub offering, for short" because IPA stands for India Pale Ale, which is a popular type of beer often found in pubs.
Quaker pronoun : THOU
The answer to "Quaker pronoun" is "THY" because "THY" is an old-fashioned pronoun that was commonly used by Quakers to address someone in a respectful and familiar manner.
Rand McNally product : MAP
The answer to "Rand McNally product" is "MAP" because Rand McNally is a well-known company that specializes in producing maps.
Recipe amt. : TBSP
The answer "TBSP" is short for tablespoon, which is a common unit of measurement in recipes. It is the right solution because it fits the clue "Recipe amt." as it refers to the amount of an ingredient to be used in a recipe.
Rounded roofs : DOMES
The answer "DOMES" is the right solution because domes are architectural structures that have a rounded roof shape.
Rowing blade : OAR
The answer to "Rowing blade" is "OAR" because an oar is a long, flat blade used for rowing a boat.
Satirical sketch : SKIT
The answer to "Satirical sketch" is "SKIT" because a skit is a short, humorous performance or sketch that often parodies or satirizes a particular topic or situation.
Skin blemish, slangily : ZIT
The slang term "ZIT" is commonly used to describe a skin blemish, specifically a pimple or a small, inflamed area on the skin.
Soccer stadium shout : OLE!
The word "OLE" is a common shout heard in soccer stadiums. It is an expression of excitement and encouragement, often used when a skilled player makes a fancy move or scores a goal.
Stratosphere layer with a “hole” : OZONE
The stratosphere layer with a "hole" refers to the OZONE layer. Ozone is a gas that forms a protective layer in the Earth's atmosphere, and a hole in this layer can lead to harmful ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth's surface.
Swanky, like a certain Spice Girl? : POSH
The term "POSH" is a play on words. It refers to being swanky or stylish, which is a characteristic often associated with the Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, also known as Posh Spice.
Tech giant dubbed “Big Blue” : IBM
The answer is "IBM" because it is a well-known nickname for the technology company, referring to its blue logo and its dominance in the industry.
The Old Farmer’s ___ : ALMANAC
The Old Farmer's Almanac is a well-known publication that provides weather forecasts, farming advice, and other useful information for farmers and gardeners. It is commonly referred to as "The Old Farmer's ___", making "ALMANAC" the correct answer.
The “A” in MoMA : ART
The answer is "ART" because "A" stands for "Art" in the abbreviation "MoMA," which stands for the Museum of Modern Art.
What a landlubber likely lacks : SEA LEGS
The answer "SEA LEGS" is the right solution because a landlubber is someone who is inexperienced or unfamiliar with the sea. Therefore, they would likely lack the ability to maintain their balance on a moving ship or boat, which is what having "SEA LEGS" refers to.
[Bor-r-ring!] : YAWN
The answer to "[Bor-r-ring!]" is "YAWN" because when someone finds something boring, they often yawn out of boredom.
[It just disappeared!] : [POOF!]
The answer to "[It just disappeared!]" is "[POOF!]" because "POOF!" is an onomatopoeic representation of a sudden disappearance or vanishing. It is often used to describe something that disappears quickly and mysteriously.
“Chopsticks ___ fork?” : OR A
The answer "OR A" is the right solution because the clue is asking for a comparison between "Chopsticks" and "fork." The phrase "or a" is commonly used in a sentence to present two options. In this case, it suggests that "chopsticks" can be used as an alternative to a "fork."
“For ___ sake!” : PETE’S Down 1 Judo schools
unknown
“Gotcha” : I SEE
"ISEE" can be interpreted as a colloquialism for "I see," which is often used to indicate understanding or acknowledgement of a statement. "Gotcha" is also a colloquialism used to indicate understanding or acknowledgement of a situation or statement. Therefore, "ISEE" is an appropriate answer to the clue ""Gotcha"."
“Here’s what I think,” to emailers : IMO
The answer "IMO" stands for "In My Opinion," which is a common phrase used in email or online communication to indicate that the following statement is the sender's personal viewpoint.
“Immediately!,” on an order : ASAP!
The answer "ASAP!" is the right solution because it is an abbreviation for "As Soon As Possible," which accurately represents the urgency conveyed by the clue "Immediately!," on an order.
“O Canada” and others : ANTHEMS
The answer "ANTHEMS" is the right solution because "O Canada" is the national anthem of Canada, and "others" refers to other national anthems of different countries.
“Sure as shootin’ …” : BY GUM …
The phrase "Sure as shootin'" is an idiomatic expression that means something is absolutely certain. "By gum" is a colloquial expression used to emphasize the certainty of a statement. Therefore, "By gum" is an appropriate answer to the clue, conveying the same meaning as "Sure as shootin'."
€ currency : EURO
The answer is "EURO" because it is the official currency used by many countries in the European Union, represented by the symbol €.