Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 18 November 2024, Monday (11-18-24). 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.
Actor Guinness : ALEC
The answer to "Actor Guinness" is "ALEC" because Alec Guinness was a well-known British actor.
Adheres to, as a deadline : MEETS Down 1 Synagogue leader
The answer "MEETS" fits the clue "Adheres to, as a deadline" because meeting a deadline means completing a task within the specified time frame.
Amusing stories from a public speaker : ANECDOTES
The answer "ANECDOTES" fits because anecdotes are short, amusing stories often shared by public speakers to entertain or make a point.
Bit of cricket gear : BAT
The answer "BAT" is the right solution because a bat is an essential piece of gear used in the sport of cricket to hit the ball.
Boggle find : WORD
The answer "WORD" fits the clue "Boggle find" because in the game Boggle, players search for words by connecting adjacent letters to form words.
Broadway, for one : Abbr
The answer "Abbr" is short for abbreviation, and "Broadway" is often abbreviated as "Bway" in crossword puzzles.
Corrected with Ctrl+Z : UNDID
The answer "UNDID" fits the clue because when you use Ctrl+Z on a computer, you are undoing or reversing the previous action, which is what "UNDID" means.
D.I.Y. purchase : KIT
The answer "KIT" is the right solution because a kit typically includes all the necessary materials and instructions for a do-it-yourself project.
Distractions on many free apps : ADS
The answer "ADS" fits the clue because many free apps often have advertisements that can be distracting to users while using the app.
Doughnut shapes, mathematically speaking : TORI
The term "tori" is the plural form of "torus," which refers to the shape of a doughnut in mathematics. It is a geometric shape resembling a doughnut with a hole in the center, making it the correct answer to the clue "Doughnut shapes, mathematically speaking."
Facility at many a luxury resort : SPA
A spa is a common facility found at luxury resorts where guests can relax, unwind, and indulge in various wellness treatments like massages, facials, and body scrubs.
Finger-clicking sound : SNAP
The answer "SNAP" is the right solution because it is a common onomatopoeic word used to describe the sound of fingers clicking together.
Five-star review : RAVE
The answer "RAVE" fits the clue "Five-star review" because a rave review is a very positive and enthusiastic review, often given the highest rating of five stars.
Flavored ice treat : SNO-CONE
The answer "SNO-CONE" fits the clue "Flavored ice treat" because a sno-cone is a popular frozen dessert made of crushed or shaved ice flavored with syrup.
Glass fragment : SHARD
The answer "SHARD" fits the clue "Glass fragment" because a shard is a small piece or fragment of a brittle material, such as glass.
Great Plains tribe : OTOE
The Great Plains tribe known as "OTOE" is the correct answer because it is a Native American tribe that historically inhabited the Great Plains region of the United States.
High-fives, basically : SLAPS
SLAPS is the right solution because high-fives and slaps are both hand gestures involving hitting palms together in celebration or greeting.
Iconic landmark in Yosemite Valley : EL CAPITAN
"El Capitan" is an iconic landmark in Yosemite Valley known for its sheer granite rock face, popular among rock climbers. Its name is well-known and fits the given clue.
Instructional talk at an expo, informally : DEMO
The answer "DEMO" fits the clue because "DEMO" is a common abbreviation for a demonstration, which is an instructional talk typically given at an expo to showcase a product or service.
July-August zodiac sign : LEO
"Leo" is the zodiac sign for those born between July and August. It is the fifth sign of the zodiac and is represented by the lion.
Keeps the engine running, say : IDLES
The clue "Keeps the engine running, say" is a play on words. In this context, "running" can mean both operating the engine and running at a standstill. "Idles" is the correct answer because when an engine is idling, it is running at a standstill, keeping it operational.
Law school grads, in brief : JDS
"JDS" stands for Juris Doctor, which is the degree awarded to law school graduates. Therefore, "Law school grads, in brief" is a clue hinting at the abbreviation for their degree, which is "JDS."
Leisurely run : LOPE
"Lope" is the right solution because it means to run at a steady, easy pace, which fits the description of a leisurely run.
Like a brave knight : GALLANT
"GALLANT" is the right answer because a gallant knight is known for being brave, courteous, and chivalrous in literature and folklore.
Like a hard-to-believe story : COCK AND BULL
The phrase "cock and bull" is often used to describe a story that is hard to believe or exaggerated. It signifies a tale that is unbelievable or far-fetched, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Like a hard-to-believe story."
Like the Olympic cauldron every four years : RELIT
The Olympic cauldron is lit every four years during the Olympics, so it is "RELIT" each time.
Maneuvered (through), as traffic : WEAVED
The word "weaved" fits the clue because it means to move skillfully in and out of traffic, indicating maneuvering through traffic.
Marvel Comics mutant : X-MAN
The answer "X-MAN" fits the clue "Marvel Comics mutant" because X-Man is a mutant character in the Marvel Comics universe.
Mel in the Baseball Hall of Fame : OTT
Mel Ott was a professional baseball player who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1951. "OTT" is his last name and fits the given clue.
Museum info displayer : PLACARD
The answer "PLACARD" is the right solution because a placard is a sign or notice used to display information in a museum.
On which croquet and cornhole are played : LAWN
The answer is "LAWN" because both croquet and cornhole are typically played on a grassy area known as a lawn.
On which Ping-Pong and air hockey are played : TABLE
The answer "TABLE" is correct because both Ping-Pong and air hockey are games that are typically played on a flat surface known as a table.
One of more than 14,000 that make up Japan : ISLAND
The answer is "ISLAND" because Japan is made up of over 14,000 islands, making "ISLAND" the correct answer to the clue.
Part of a train … or an alternative to one : CAR
The answer "CAR" fits because it is a part of a train and also an alternative mode of transportation to a train.
Partner of tear : WEAR
The word "wear" is a partner of "tear" because when something tears, it becomes worn out or damaged from use. So, they are related in terms of how something can deteriorate or be affected by use.
Perfectly fine : A-OKAY
The answer "A-OKAY" is a colloquial term meaning perfect or in good condition, making it a fitting solution for the clue "Perfectly fine."
Performers of kickflips and boardslides : SKATERS
"Performers of kickflips and boardslides" refers to individuals who participate in the sport of skateboarding. These individuals are commonly known as "skaters" in the skateboarding community.
Permitted by law : LICIT
"LICIT" means something that is allowed or permitted by law. In this case, the clue "Permitted by law" is a direct definition for the word "LICIT."
Personal bidding, in an idiom : BECK AND CALL
The phrase "beck and call" means being at someone's service or disposal. It is an idiom that refers to being ready to respond to someone's every command or request.
Persuade with flattery : CAJOLE
CAJOLE means to persuade someone by using flattery or coaxing. In this case, the clue "Persuade with flattery" is a direct definition clue that matches the definition of CAJOLE.
Put forth, as effort : EXERT
"Put forth, as effort" is a clue that suggests the action of making a physical or mental effort. The word "EXERT" fits perfectly as it means to apply or bring into play (a force, influence, etc.).
Real scoundrel : CAD
CAD is a term used to describe a person who is dishonorable or unprincipled, making them a real scoundrel. It fits the clue perfectly.
Religious factions : SECTS
"Sects" are religious factions or groups that have broken away from a larger religious organization. In this context, "sects" is a synonym for religious factions, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Rock band with an electric name : AC/DC
The rock band AC/DC has an electric name because AC/DC stands for alternating current/direct current, which are terms related to electricity.
Self-evident truth : AXIOM
An axiom is a statement that is accepted as true without needing proof, making it a self-evident truth.
Site where NWT = “New With Tags” and GU = “Gently Used” : EBAY
eBay is an online marketplace where sellers can list items as either "New With Tags" (NWT) or "Gently Used" (GU), making it the site that fits the description in the clue.
Soldier of Sauron in “The Lord of the Rings” : ORC
An Orc is a soldier loyal to Sauron in "The Lord of the Rings" universe, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Spanish babies : NENES
"NENES" is the right solution because "NENES" is a Spanish word that means babies in English. It fits the clue "Spanish babies" perfectly.
Speaking and pointing at objects, in a game of charades : NO-NOS
"NO-NOS" is the right solution because in a game of charades, speaking and pointing at objects are considered forbidden actions or "no-nos." The answer captures the essence of what is not allowed in the game.
Spheres of study : AREAS
The word "AREAS" can refer to different fields of study or expertise, which are commonly known as areas of study.
Steamy literary genre : EROTICA
"EROTICA" is the right answer because it refers to a genre of literature that focuses on explicit and sensual themes, often involving romantic or sexual relationships. This fits the clue "Steamy literary genre" perfectly.
Subgenre for Lorde and Lana Del Rey : ALT-POP
"ALT-POP" is the right solution because it is a shortened form of "alternative pop," which is a subgenre that both Lorde and Lana Del Rey are known for. They both incorporate elements of alternative music into their pop sound, making "ALT-POP" a fitting description for their music style.
Suspend : HALT
The word "halt" can mean to suspend or bring to a stop, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Suspend."
Take a chill pill : RELAX
The phrase "Take a chill pill" is a common idiom that means to relax or calm down. The word "RELAX" is a synonym for calm down, making it the right solution for this clue.
Take ___ (catch some Z’s) : A NAP
The phrase "take a nap" is a common expression meaning to rest or sleep for a short period of time. In this clue, "Take ___ (catch some Z’s)", the answer "A NAP" fits perfectly to complete the phrase and make sense in the context of catching some sleep.
Tiny egg : OVULE
Two-player offensive sequence in basketball : PICK AND ROLL
The pick and roll is a common offensive play in basketball where one player sets a screen (pick) for the ball handler and then rolls to the basket. It involves two players working together to create scoring opportunities, making it a two-player offensive sequence.
Was bouncing off the walls? : ECHOED
The word "echoed" can describe a sound bouncing off walls, making it the right solution for the clue "Was bouncing off the walls?"
Wax-coated cheese : EDAM
Edam is a type of cheese that is coated in wax to preserve its freshness and flavor. Therefore, "Wax-coated cheese" is a common way to clue the answer "EDAM" in crossword puzzles.
Wee, informally : ITTY
The word "itty" is informal slang for "tiny" or "small," which can be used to describe something that is wee or little in size.
Weekend comedy show, for short : SNL
"SNL" stands for "Saturday Night Live," which is a popular comedy show that airs on weekends. The abbreviation "SNL" is commonly used to refer to the show, making it the right solution for the clue.
Welsh dog breed : CORGI
The Welsh dog breed commonly known as the CORGI is a popular breed that originated in Wales. It is a short-legged and sturdy dog known for its friendly and affectionate nature, making it a well-known breed that fits the clue.
What goes up after a countdown? : ROCKET
The answer "ROCKET" fits the clue because a rocket goes up into the sky after a countdown before launching.
Who went “up the hill” in a nursery rhyme : JACK AND JILL
Jack and Jill went "up the hill" in the nursery rhyme because that is how the rhyme begins. The answer "JACK AND JILL" fits the clue perfectly.
Zippo : NADA
"Zippo" is a slang term for "nothing" or "zero". "Nil" is a synonym for "nothing" or "zero", making it a fitting answer for the clue.
___ curiae (friend of the court) : AMICUS
"Amicus" is the correct answer because "amici curiae" is a Latin term meaning "friends of the court," referring to individuals or organizations that are not parties in a case but offer information or expertise to assist the court in making its decision.
___ Scurry, first Black woman in the National Soccer Hall of Fame : BRIANA
Briana Scurry is the first Black woman to be inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame, making "BRIANA" the correct answer to the clue.
“Certainly!” : YES!
The answer "YES!" fits the clue "Certainly!" because "Yes" is a common expression used to indicate agreement or affirmation, which can also convey a sense of certainty.
“Sometimes ___ is more” : LESS
The phrase "Sometimes less is more" means that simplicity or having less of something can be more effective or impactful. So, the answer "LESS" fits perfectly with the clue.
“You ___ what you sow” : REAP
The phrase "You reap what you sow" means that you will experience the consequences of your actions. The word "reap" in this context refers to harvesting or receiving the results of your efforts.
“Yuck!” : EWW!
The word "retch" is an onomatopoeic term that describes the sound of vomiting, which is often associated with a feeling of disgust or revulsion. Therefore, it is an appropriate answer to the clue "[Yuck!]"