Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 20 November 2023, Monday (11-20-23). 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.
$5 bills, in slang : ABES
The answer "ABES" is the right solution because it is a slang term used to refer to $5 bills. "ABES" is derived from the portrait of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, which is featured on the front of the $5 bill.
Acquires : GETS
The word "acquires" means to obtain or gain something. "Gains" is a synonym of "acquires," making it the correct answer to the crossword clue.
Acronym for a quartet of entertainment awards : EGOT
The answer is "EGOT" because it stands for winning all four major entertainment awards: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.
Act dejected : MOPE
The word "MOPE" means to act dejected or gloomy. It is a suitable solution for the clue "Act dejected" because it directly matches the meaning of the clue.
Apple device assistant : SIRI
The answer to "Apple device assistant" is "SIRI" because SIRI is a virtual assistant developed by Apple that is available on their devices, such as iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers.
Be kind, follow the rules, etc. : PLAY NICE
The answer "PLAY NICE" fits the clue "Be kind, follow the rules, etc." because it is a common expression used to encourage good behavior and fair play. It implies treating others with respect and following the agreed-upon rules or guidelines.
Bit of smoke : WISP
The answer "WISP" is the right solution because a wisp is a small, thin, or delicate piece of something, such as smoke. It perfectly fits the clue "Bit of smoke" as it describes a small amount or fragment of smoke.
Bob, buzz or beehive : HAIRCUT
The answer to "Bob, buzz or beehive" is "HAIRCUT" because all three terms refer to different styles or types of haircuts. A "bob" is a short haircut where the hair is cut to the same length all around, a "buzz" refers to a very short haircut typically done with electric clippers, and a "beehive" is a hairstyle characterized by a high, rounded shape resembling a beehive. Therefore, "HAIRCUT" is the right answer that encompasses all three terms.
Build up over time : ACCRUE
The word "ACCRUE" means to gradually increase or accumulate over time. It perfectly matches the clue "Build up over time" as it implies a gradual growth or accumulation of something.
Color of khakis : TAN
The color of khakis is typically tan, making "TAN" the right answer.
Computer debut of 1998 : IMAC
The answer "IMAC" is the right solution because it was the computer debut of 1998. The iMac was a groundbreaking computer released by Apple in 1998, which revolutionized the industry with its colorful design and all-in-one functionality.
Condo, for one : UNIT
The answer "UNIT" is the right solution because a condo is a type of housing that typically refers to an individual living space within a larger building or complex. Each individual living space is called a "unit."
Conflict of 1914-18, in brief : WWI
The answer "WWI" is the right solution because it stands for World War I, which was a major conflict that took place from 1914 to 1918.
Congeal : CLOT
The answer "CLOT" is the right solution because it means to congeal or thicken, often referring to blood or other liquids.
Congressional V.I.P. : HOUSE WHIP
The answer "HOUSE WHIP" is the right solution because in the U.S. Congress, a "whip" refers to a member of a political party who ensures party discipline and counts votes. The "HOUSE WHIP" specifically refers to a whip in the House of Representatives.
Cow’s offspring : CALF
Cunning : SLY
The word "sly" means being clever or crafty in a secretive way, which perfectly matches the clue "cunning."
Cunning animal : FOX
The answer to "Cunning animal" is "FOX" because foxes are known for their cleverness and sly behavior.
Curl up and cuddle together : SPOON
The answer "SPOON" is the right solution because when you "curl up and cuddle together," you often assume a spooning position, where one person's body curves against the back of the other person, resembling the shape of two spoons nested together.
Disposable bit of cutlery : PLASTIC UTENSIL
The answer "PLASTIC UTENSIL" is the right solution because it fits the clue "Disposable bit of cutlery." Plastic utensils are commonly used as disposable alternatives to traditional metal cutlery, making them a suitable answer for the clue.
Dog from Down Under : DINGO
The answer to "Dog from Down Under" is "DINGO" because the dingo is a wild dog native to Australia.
Drink served with marshmallows : COCOA
The answer to "Drink served with marshmallows" is "COCOA" because cocoa is a hot beverage that is often enjoyed with marshmallows on top.
Embedded pieces : INLAYS
The answer "INLAYS" is the right solution because it refers to pieces that are embedded or set into a surface, such as decorative materials in furniture or flooring.
Exasperated cry when being turned over to voice mail : PICK UP THE PHONE!
Foe’s opposite : FRIEND
The opposite of a foe is a friend, someone who is not an enemy but rather a supportive and loyal companion.
Form of social diversity : MULTICULTURALISM
The answer "MULTICULTURALISM" is the right solution because it refers to the coexistence of different cultures within a society. It encompasses the recognition and acceptance of diverse cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and practices.
French for “your” : TES
The word "tes" is the French translation for the English word "your."
Gobble down : EAT
The word "gobble" is often used to describe eating quickly and voraciously. "Eat" is the fitting answer as it means to consume food, aligning with the clue's meaning.
Greek letter after chi : PSI
The Greek letter after chi is "psi" because it comes after "chi" in the Greek alphabet.
Greek letters before chis : PHIS
The Greek letter before "chis" is "PHI." In plural form, it becomes "PHIS."
Half of duo- : UNI-
The answer "UNI-" is the right solution because it is a prefix that means "one" or "single." In the context of the clue "Half of duo-," "UNI-" implies that we are looking for a word that represents one part of a pair or duo.
Have a ball at the mall : SHOP
The answer "SHOP" is the right solution because when you have a ball at the mall, it implies that you are enjoying yourself by engaging in the activity of shopping.
High, as goals : LOFTY
The word "lofty" is a synonym for "high" and can also be used to describe goals that are ambitious or elevated. Therefore, "lofty" is the right solution for the clue "High, as goals".
Hors d’oeuvres spread : PATE
The answer "PATE" is the right solution because it is a common hors d'oeuvres spread made from finely ground meat or fish.
Hu-u-uge : EPIC
The word "EPIC" is the right solution because it means something that is extremely large or impressive, which matches the clue "Hu-u-uge."
Ice house? : IGLOO
The answer to "Ice house?" is "IGLOO" because an igloo is a traditional house made of ice and snow, commonly used by indigenous people in the Arctic regions.
In the shape of a rainbow : ARCED
The word "arc" refers to a curved shape, often associated with the shape of a rainbow. Adding the suffix "-ed" indicates that something is in the past tense or has taken on a particular form. Therefore, "arced" accurately describes something that is in the shape of a rainbow.
Journalist Gwen : IFILL
The answer is "IFILL" because Gwen Ifill was a well-known journalist and television news anchor.
Large size at Starbucks : VENTI
The answer is "VENTI" because it is the size used to describe a large drink at Starbucks.
Letter repeated in the symbol for “closed captioning” : CEE
Manufacture : CREATE
The word "manufacture" refers to the process of creating or producing something, typically on a large scale. The answer "CREATE" fits this clue because it means to bring something into existence by one's own actions or imagination. Therefore, "CREATE" is the right solution for the clue "Manufacture."
Mario’s brother : LUIGI
The answer to "Mario's brother" is "LUIGI" because Luigi is a well-known character in the Mario video game franchise, serving as Mario's younger brother and sidekick.
Masthead figs. : EDS
The answer "EDS" is short for "Editors" and is commonly used in mastheads to refer to the editorial staff of a publication.
Meanie : OGRE
The word "OGRE" is often used to describe someone who is mean or cruel. It fits the clue "Meanie" because an ogre is typically portrayed as a cruel and unpleasant character in folklore and fairy tales.
Meyers of late-night : SETH
The answer to "Meyers of late-night" is "SETH" because Seth Meyers is a well-known comedian and television host who has hosted his own late-night talk show called "Late Night with Seth Meyers."
Midday meal : LUNCH
The answer to "Midday meal" is "LUNCH" because it is a common term used to describe the meal that is typically eaten around noon or during the middle of the day.
Misplaces : LOSES
The word "misplaces" is a verb that means to put something in the wrong location. The word "loses" also means to no longer have something or to be unable to find something. Therefore, "loses" is the right answer because it fits the definition of "misplaces" in the context of the crossword clue.
Name that fills in the blanks to make another name : S_ _ _NNAH
The answer is "SUSANNAH". It fills in the blanks to make the name "SUSANNAH".
Neighbor of Bolivia : PERU
The answer is "PERU" because Peru is a neighboring country of Bolivia. They share a border in South America.
Not moving : STILL
The word "still" means not moving or not in motion. It is a perfect fit for the clue "Not moving." Therefore, "still" is the right solution.
One-named singer from Ireland : ENYA
Prefix with toxin or oxidant : ANTI-
The answer is "ANTI-" because it is a common prefix that means "against" or "opposite of." In this case, it is used to form words like "antitoxin" and "antioxidant," which both refer to substances that counteract toxins or oxidants.
Really bad, informally : CRAPPY
The word "CRAPPY" is the right solution because it is an informal term that means "really bad." It fits the clue perfectly and is commonly used in everyday language.
Room under a roof : ATTIC
The answer "ATTIC" is the right solution because it refers to a room that is typically located under the roof of a house.
Sci-fi film tech, for short : CGI
The answer "CGI" stands for Computer Generated Imagery, which is a technology commonly used in sci-fi films to create realistic visual effects.
Series of steps : PROCESS
The word "process" refers to a series of steps or actions taken to achieve a particular result. In the context of the crossword clue, "series of steps" is a direct definition for the word "process," making it the correct answer.
Some high-end headwear : SILK HATS
The answer "SILK HATS" is the right solution because silk hats are considered high-end headwear due to their luxurious and elegant nature. They are often associated with formal occasions and are made from the finest quality silk fabric.
Some “Italian” desserts : ICES
The clue "Some 'Italian' desserts" suggests that we are looking for a plural noun that refers to Italian desserts. The answer "ICES" fits this description because it is a plural noun that can refer to various types of frozen desserts, including Italian gelato or sorbet.
Spanish suffix with señor : -ITA
The Spanish suffix "-ita" is used as a term of endearment or to indicate something small or cute. In this case, it is added to the word "señor" to create the term of endearment "señorita," which means "Miss" or "young lady" in Spanish.
Sure thing : CINCH
The answer "CINCH" is the right solution for the clue "Sure thing" because a cinch is something that is very easy or certain to happen.
The Constitution State … or, when parsed differently, what you gradually do with this puzzle’s circled letters? : CONNECTICUT … or, CONNECT “I-C-U-T”
The clue is asking for the name of a state. When the circled letters are parsed differently, they spell out "CONNECT I-C-U-T," which is a clever way of representing the state name "Connecticut."
The “A” of 10-J-Q-K-A : ACE
The answer is "ACE" because in a standard deck of playing cards, the "A" represents the Ace.
Toothpaste holder : TUBE
The answer to "Toothpaste holder" is "TUBE" because toothpaste is commonly stored and dispensed from a tube-shaped container.
Toward the back, at sea : AFT
The answer "AFT" is the right solution because it means "toward the back" on a ship or boat, and "at sea" indicates that the clue is referring to a nautical term.
Unexpected problems : SNAGS
The answer "SNAGS" is the right solution because unexpected problems are often referred to as "snags" in everyday language.
Wait till morning to decide something : SLEEP ON IT
The phrase "sleep on it" means to postpone making a decision until the next day. It suggests that a good night's rest can provide clarity and perspective, making it easier to make a thoughtful decision.
Where to find singles, a match and love? : TENNIS COURT
The answer "TENNIS COURT" is the right solution because in tennis, singles is a term used to describe a match played between two players, a match refers to a game or contest, and love is a term used in scoring in tennis. Therefore, a tennis court is where you can find all these elements.
Zellweger of “Bridget Jones’s Diary” : RENEE
The answer is "RENEE" because Renee Zellweger is the actress who played the character Bridget Jones in the movie "Bridget Jones's Diary."
___ and pans : POTS
The answer to "___ and pans" is "POTS" because pots are commonly used in cooking along with pans.
___ sauce : SOY Down 1 Audibly shocked
Soy sauce is a commonly used condiment in many Asian cuisines, making it a fitting answer to the clue "___ sauce".
___ stick (toy) : POGO
The answer to "___ stick (toy)" is "POGO" because a pogo stick is a type of toy that allows you to bounce up and down by jumping on it.
___ Tax (Monopoly square) : LUXURY
The answer to "___ Tax (Monopoly square)" is "LUXURY" because in the game of Monopoly, when a player lands on the "Luxury Tax" square, they are required to pay a luxury tax.
“Peanuts” character who pranks Charlie Brown with a football : LUCY
The answer is "LUCY" because she is the "Peanuts" character who often pulls pranks on Charlie Brown, including the famous football prank.
“Too rich for my blood” : I’M OUT
The phrase "Too rich for my blood" is an idiom that means something is too expensive or costly for someone. The answer "I'M OUT" reflects the idea of declining or opting out due to the high cost. It is commonly used in situations where one cannot afford or is unwilling to pay for something.
“We’re clear for takeoff!” : IT’S A GO!
The phrase "We're clear for takeoff!" is often used to indicate that it is safe to proceed with a flight. The answer "IT'S A GO!" is a common expression that means everything is ready and approved to proceed. Therefore, "IT'S A GO!" is the right solution because it matches the meaning of the clue.
“Your wish ___ command” : IS MY
The phrase "Your wish is my command" is a common expression meaning that someone is willing to fulfill another person's request or desire. In this case, "IS MY" completes the phrase and is the right answer to the clue.