Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 16 October 2024, Wednesday (10-16-24). 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.
Airer of hearings : C-SPAN
"C-SPAN" is the right answer because C-SPAN is a television network known for airing live coverage of government proceedings and hearings.
Basketball’s King James, from 2003-10 and 2014-18 : CAV
The answer "CAV" stands for "Cavaliers," the team LeBron James played for during the specified years.
Besmirch : SMEAR
The word "tar" can mean to cover or smear with tar, which can be seen as a way to besmirch or tarnish something's reputation or appearance.
Birds with wings about one-tenth the length of their bodies : EMUS
EMUS have wings that are about one-tenth the length of their bodies. They are flightless birds, so their wings are small in comparison to their body size.
Bundled, as hay : BALED
The word "BALED" means bundled or packaged into a tight bundle, which is exactly what happens when hay is bundled together for storage or transportation.
Cheeky : PERT
"Pert" is the right answer because it means impudently bold or saucy, which is synonymous with being cheeky.
Comedian Youngman : HENNY
Henny Youngman was a famous American comedian known for his one-liners and his signature line "Take my wife... please!" The answer "HENNY" fits the clue "Comedian Youngman" as it refers to Henny Youngman.
Computer troubleshooting options : RESETS
The answer "RESETS" fits the clue "Computer troubleshooting options" because when a computer encounters problems, one common solution is to perform a reset, which can help resolve technical issues by restarting the system.
Crazy reason : “LOCO” MOTIVE
The answer "“LOCO” MOTIVE" is a play on words combining "loco" meaning crazy and "motive." It fits the clue "Crazy reason" as it suggests a crazy or irrational motive behind an action.
Doc treating 71- : VET
The clue "Doc treating 71-" is a play on words, where "Doc" refers to a veterinarian (vet) who treats animals, and "71-" sounds like "vet" when read aloud.
Drop an F-bomb, say : CURSE
The answer "CURSE" fits the clue because it means to swear or use profane language, like dropping an F-bomb.
Dystopian horror film of 2013, with “The” : … PURGE
The answer is "The Purge" because it is a dystopian horror film released in 2013 with "The" in its title.
First British P.M. appointed by Queen Elizabeth II : EDEN
Anthony Eden was the first British Prime Minister appointed by Queen Elizabeth II in 1955.
Founder of the Pacific Fur Company, 1810 : ASTOR
John Jacob Astor was the founder of the Pacific Fur Company in 1810. The clue "Founder of the Pacific Fur Company, 1810" is directly referring to him, making "ASTOR" the correct answer.
Friend on “Friends” : JOEY
The answer to "Friend on 'Friends'" is "CHANDLER" because Chandler Bing is one of the main characters on the TV show "Friends."
Frodo Baggins’s pursuers : ORCS
ORCS are creatures in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth universe that are known to be pursuers of Frodo Baggins in "The Lord of the Rings" series. They are sent by Sauron to capture the Ring and are a constant threat to Frodo and his companions throughout their journey.
From which Christmas lights might hang : EAVE
The word "eave" refers to the part of a roof that overhangs the walls, where Christmas lights could hang from.
Get wiser, supposedly : AGE
The answer "AGE" fits the clue "Get wiser, supposedly" because as people grow older, they are believed to become wiser due to their life experiences.
Goddess associated with the owl : ATHENA
Athena is the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, often depicted with an owl, which symbolizes wisdom. This association makes "Athena" the correct answer for the clue "Goddess associated with the owl."
Hosp. areas usually on the ground floor : ERS
The answer "ERS" stands for Emergency Rooms, which are usually located on the ground floor of hospitals for easy access.
Host : MYRIAD
"Host" is a synonym of "emcee," which is a person who acts as a master of ceremonies at a public event or performance.
InDesign developer : ADOBE
The answer is "ADOBE" because Adobe is the company that develops InDesign, a popular desktop publishing software.
Instruments heard at luaus, for short : UKES
The answer "UKES" is short for ukuleles, which are commonly heard at luaus.
Introductory foreign language class suggested by this puzzle’s theme : BEGINNER SPANISH
The answer "BEGINNER SPANISH" fits the clue because the theme of the puzzle is likely related to learning a foreign language, and the answer suggests starting with a basic level Spanish class for beginners.
It might go way over your head : DRONE
The word "drone" can refer to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that flies high above, literally going over your head.
Item on a boathouse wall : OAR
The answer "OAR" fits the clue "Item on a boathouse wall" because oars are commonly stored on boathouse walls for easy access when needed for rowing or steering a boat.
Lacking gloss : MATTE
The word "MATTE" means lacking gloss or shine, making it the correct solution for the clue "Lacking gloss."
Like Loki and Thor : NORSE
The clue "Like Loki and Thor" is looking for a word that describes the mythology they belong to. Loki and Thor are figures from Norse mythology, so the answer is "NORSE."
Look to for support : DEPEND ON
"Look to for support" is a clue indicating that you rely on someone or something. "DEPEND ON" fits this definition perfectly as it means to rely on or trust someone or something for support.
Looks to sell : SHOPS
The answer "SHOPS" fits the clue "Looks to sell" because when someone is looking to sell something, they typically go to various stores or online platforms to find potential buyers, which can be described as "shopping around" to sell their item.
L’il ___ : ABNER
"Li'l Abner" is a comic strip character created by Al Capp. He is a well-known character in American pop culture, making "ABNER" the correct answer for the clue "L’il ___."
Makes apprehensive : DAUNTS
"Daunts" means to make someone feel intimidated or apprehensive, so it is a suitable answer to the clue "Makes apprehensive."
More revered : “MAS” SACRED
Neuter : SPAY
"Neuter" is a term commonly used to describe the process of spaying or neutering animals. In this case, "SPAY" specifically refers to the surgical procedure of sterilizing a female animal by removing its reproductive organs.
Nonverbal attention-getter : NUDGE
"Nudge" is the right solution because a nudge is a subtle physical gesture that can attract someone's attention without using words. It is a nonverbal way to get someone's focus.
Number of blessings at a Jewish wedding : SEVEN
In Jewish tradition, the number seven is considered a symbol of completion and perfection. At a Jewish wedding, there are typically seven blessings recited under the wedding canopy, known as the "Sheva Brachot," to bless the couple and their union. Therefore, the answer "SEVEN" fits the clue.
Object of finger-pointing on “Fantasy Island” : PLANE
The answer "PLANE" fits the clue because in the TV show "Fantasy Island," guests would arrive on the island by plane, making it the object of finger-pointing.
One miraculously healed by Jesus : LEPER
The answer "LEPER" fits because lepers were often considered outcasts in biblical times and were known to be miraculously healed by Jesus in the New Testament.
Onetime Houston athlete whose helmet featured a derrick : OILER
The Houston Oilers were a former NFL team known for their logo featuring an oil derrick. Therefore, the onetime Houston athlete with a helmet featuring a derrick would be an OILER.
Open courtyards : ATRIA
"ATRIA" is the right answer because it refers to open courtyards typically found in buildings, especially hotels or shopping centers.
Outback hoppers : ROOS
"Outback" is a common term used to refer to the Australian wilderness. "Hoppers" is a colloquial term for kangaroos, which are commonly found in the Australian Outback. Therefore, "ROOS" is the right solution as it is a shortened form of "kangaroos."
Poison found naturally in castor beans : RICIN
RICIN is the poison found naturally in castor beans. It is a well-known toxin that can be extracted from the seeds of the castor oil plant.
Prez #34 : IKE
"IKE" is the nickname of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was the 34th President of the United States.
Put forth, as a question : POSED
The word "posed" means to put forth or present a question, making it the right solution for the clue "Put forth, as a question."
Resells at hiked-up prices : SCALPS
The term "scalps" can refer to reselling tickets or goods at inflated prices, especially in the context of ticket scalping where tickets are sold at higher prices than their face value.
Revise : AMEND
"Edit" is the right answer because revising often involves making changes to written content, which is what editing is all about - making corrections, improvements, or adjustments to the text.
Run : OPERATE
"Run" can be a synonym of "operate," meaning to control or manage the functioning of a machine or system.
See 64-Down : PETS Down 1 Li of martial arts fame
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Singer with the 2008 album “Backwoods Barbie” : PARTON
Dolly Parton is a singer known for her 2008 album "Backwoods Barbie," making "PARTON" the correct answer to the clue.
Somewhat : IN A SENSE
The word "ABIT" is an adverb that means "to a small extent or degree." It is a synonym for "somewhat," which is the definition given in the clue.
Subside : EASE
The answer "EBB" is the right solution because it is a verb that means to gradually decrease or become less intense, which is synonymous with the word "subside."
Suffix with Jumbo : -TRON
"Suffix with Jumbo" is a clue that indicates we are looking for a word that can be added to "Jumbo" to form a new word. When we add "-TRON" to "Jumbo," we get the word "Jumbotron," which is a large-screen television used for displaying close-up shots of an event or show.
Sung tribute : PAEAN
A sung tribute is often in the form of a paeanto a god or hero in ancient Greece. "Paean" is a hymn of praise or thanksgiving, making it the right answer for this crossword clue.
Suspect : SHADY
The word "shady" can be used to describe someone who is suspicious or untrustworthy, which fits the definition of a suspect.
Sycophants : YES-MEN
"YES-MEN" is a term used to describe people who always agree with someone in a position of authority, often for personal gain. This behavior is similar to sycophants, who flatter and praise others excessively to gain favor.
Symbol on the collar of Krypto the Superdog : ESS
The answer "ESS" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for "Superman" on Krypto the Superdog's collar.
Tax prep pro : CPA
CPA stands for Certified Public Accountant, who is a professional qualified to help with tax preparation.
The appearance of a butterfly in a home, for some : OMEN
The word "omen" refers to a sign or warning of something about to happen. In many cultures, the appearance of a butterfly is seen as an omen or a sign of good luck or change.
Three tickets : “TRES” PASSES
The answer "TRES" PASSES is a play on words, using the Spanish word for "three" (TRES) to create a phrase that sounds like "three tickets." This is a common technique in crossword puzzles where the answer is a pun or wordplay.
Time of anticipation : EVE
"EVE" is the right answer because it refers to the time before a significant event, such as Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve, which are times of anticipation and excitement.
Transgress : SIN
The word "transgress" means to violate or go beyond a boundary or rule. "Sin" is a word often used to describe an act that goes against religious or moral principles. Therefore, "sin" is the right solution because it represents a transgression or wrongdoing.
U.S. immigration policy, familiarly : DACA
"DACA" stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a U.S. immigration policy that allows certain undocumented immigrants who came to the country as children to receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation and eligibility for a work permit. It is a familiar term in discussions about U.S. immigration policy.
V.I.P. section? : VEE
The abbreviation for "section" is "sec." Remove the abbreviation for "section" (sec) from "V.I.P." to get "VIP," which sounds like the letter "V" when spoken aloud.
Well-worn : OLD
The word "ratty" is a suitable answer for "well-worn" because it describes something that is worn out, shabby, or in poor condition.
What to do before a marathon, perhaps : REST UP
The answer "REST UP" fits the clue "What to do before a marathon, perhaps" because resting up and getting plenty of sleep is important for athletes to ensure they are well-rested and prepared for the physical demands of a marathon.
With money : “CON” TENDER
___ Juan : SAN
The answer "SAN" fits because "___ Juan" is a common way to refer to the city of San Juan, where "San" is a prefix meaning "saint" in Spanish.
“Alrighty, then. As I was saying …” : ANYHOO …
The answer "ANYHOO" is a casual way to resume a conversation after a pause or interruption, similar to saying "Alrighty, then. As I was saying ..." in a more informal manner.
“Despite all that …” : EVEN SO …
"EVEN SO" is the right solution because it is a common phrase used to introduce a contrasting or unexpected statement after acknowledging a previous point.
“Is that OK with you?” : MAY I?
The phrase "May I?" is a polite way to ask for permission, making it a suitable response to the question "Is that OK with you?"
“Tangible” balance sheet item : ASSET
An asset is a tangible item that holds value and can be found on a balance sheet, making it the correct answer for the clue "Tangible balance sheet item."
“The Office” role : PAM
The clue refers to a role in the TV show "The Office". The character's name who played this role is Pam. Therefore, "PAM" is the correct answer.
“Thou sing’st sweet ___” : Shak.
The answer "Shak." is short for Shakespeare, as the clue is referring to a line from a Shakespearean play.