Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 23 November 2023, Thursday (11-23-23). 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.
A strong attraction, with “the” : … HOTS
The answer is "HOTS" because it is a common phrase that means a strong attraction or intense desire. It fits the clue "A strong attraction, with 'the'" as it implies a specific, singular attraction.
Acquires, as a penalty : INCURS
The word "INCURS" means to acquire or become subject to something, often a penalty. Therefore, it is the right solution for the clue "Acquires, as a penalty."
Activities : DOINGS
The answer to "Activities" is "DOINGS" because it is a noun that refers to things that people do or engage in.
Actor Guy of “L.A. Confidential” : PEARCE
The answer is "PEARCE" because Guy Pearce is an Australian actor who starred in the film "L.A. Confidential."
Agitation : ADO
The word "ado" is a noun that means fuss, commotion, or agitation. It is often used to describe a state of excitement or disturbance. Therefore, "ado" is an appropriate answer for the crossword clue "Agitation."
Animal in a romp : OTTER
The answer "OTTER" is the right solution because otters are known for their playful behavior and often engage in group activities called "romps."
Audibly enthused : OOHED
The answer "OOHED" is the right solution because it means being audibly enthused or expressing excitement. It is a word that is commonly used to convey delight or admiration.
BEL LY : GUT-BUSTING
Bon ___ (good friend) : AMI
The answer "AMI" is the right solution because "Bon ___" is a French phrase meaning "good friend" and "AMI" is the French word for "friend".
Brawn : SINEW
The answer "SINEW" is the right solution for the clue "Brawn" because sinew refers to the tough, fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone, often associated with strength and muscularity.
Bush hopper, informally : ROO
The answer "ROO" is the right solution because "Bush hopper" is a slang term for a kangaroo, and "ROO" is a common abbreviation for kangaroo.
Button-shaped bit of candy : M AND M
The answer "M AND M" is the right solution because M&M candies are small, button-shaped pieces of candy.
Company featured in the documentary “Game Over : Kasparov and the Machine”
Corporate shuffle, for short : REORG
The answer "REORG" is short for "reorganization," which is a term commonly used in the corporate world. In this context, a corporate shuffle refers to a restructuring or reorganization of a company's structure or operations. Therefore, "REORG" is the right solution because it accurately represents this concept in a concise manner.
Double deal : TWOFER
The answer "TWOFER" is the right solution because it represents a double deal, where you get two items or opportunities for the price of one.
Emphatic type : BOLD
The answer "BOLD" fits the clue "Emphatic type" because when something is described as bold, it means it is strong, confident, and stands out. This matches the idea of an emphatic typeface that makes a strong statement.
England’s largest all-boys boarding school : ETON
The answer to "England's largest all-boys boarding school" is "ETON" because Eton College, located in Berkshire, England, is widely known as one of the most prestigious and largest all-boys boarding schools in the country.
Flick of a flicker? : ASH
The clue "Flick of a flicker?" is a play on words. "Flicker" can refer to a type of bird, but it can also mean a quick movement or a small burst of light. In this case, "flick of a flicker" is referring to the small piece of ash that is left after a fire or a flickering flame. So, the answer "ASH" fits the clue perfectly.
Grab and not let go : GLOM ONTO
The answer "GLOM ONTO" fits the clue because "glom" means to grab or seize, and "onto" suggests not letting go. Therefore, "GLOM ONTO" accurately describes the action of grabbing and not letting go.
Grill past perfection, say : CHAR
The word "char" is a verb that means to burn or cook something on a grill or open flame until it is blackened. In the context of the clue, "grill past perfection, say," the word "char" perfectly fits as it describes the act of cooking something on a grill to the point of being burnt.
Heading above a list : TO-DO
The answer "TO-DO" is the right solution because "Heading above a list" refers to the title or heading that is typically placed at the top of a list of tasks or things to do. "TO-DO" is a common term used for such lists, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
How combatants may go : TOE TO TOE
The phrase "toe to toe" is a common expression used to describe a direct confrontation or combat between two opponents. It implies that the combatants are standing face to face, with their toes touching, ready to engage in a battle. Therefore, "toe to toe" is the right solution for the clue "How combatants may go."
How long it can feel like to wait : AGES
The word "AGES" is the right solution because it is a common expression used to describe a long period of time. When we are waiting for something, time can feel like it is passing very slowly, making it seem like it is taking ages.
Howe’er : THO’
The answer to "Howe'er" is "THO'" because "Howe'er" is a contraction of "however" and "THO'" is a contraction of "though". They are both short forms used in informal writing.
Hunting tips? : SPEARS
The answer "SPEARS" is the right solution because spears are commonly used as hunting tools to catch animals.
Important component of oral health : SALIVA
The answer is "SALIVA" because it is an important component of oral health. Saliva helps to moisten and cleanse the mouth, neutralize acids, and aid in digestion.
Intimidating sounds : ROARS
The answer "ROARS" is the right solution because roaring sounds are commonly associated with intimidation, such as the roar of a lion or the roar of an engine.
Invalidates : VOIDS
The word "invalidates" means to nullify or make something invalid. The answer "VOIDS" fits perfectly as it means to render something empty or null, which aligns with the meaning of "invalidates."
Knock-off weapon? : LANCE
The answer to "Knock-off weapon?" is "LANCE" because a "knock-off" is a cheap imitation or counterfeit, and a lance is a type of weapon. Therefore, a "knock-off weapon" can be interpreted as a play on words, suggesting a counterfeit or fake version of a real weapon, which is represented by the answer "LANCE."
Lieu : STEAD
The word "stead" is a synonym for "lieu." They both mean a place or position occupied by someone or something.
Major clothing retailer with both stores and catalogs : J.CREW
The answer is "J.CREW" because it is a major clothing retailer that operates both physical stores and catalogs.
Make one’s way, as through snow : PLOD
Managed by : UNDER
The word "under" can be used to indicate being managed or supervised by someone. For example, if a person is "under" the management of a specific individual or organization, they are being managed by them. Hence, "under" is the correct answer to the clue "Managed by."
MAR : ARM TWISTING
Movie shots that take a closer look : CUT-INS
The term "CUT-INS" refers to movie shots that zoom in or take a closer look at a particular subject or object. It is a common technique used in filmmaking to provide a more detailed view of a specific scene or element. Therefore, "CUT-INS" is the correct answer to the clue.
No. on a check : AMT
The answer "AMT" is short for "amount" and refers to the numerical value written on a check.
Nonpublic domain extension : GOV
The answer "GOV" is the right solution because it is a common domain extension used for government websites. It is short for "government" and indicates that the website is related to a government entity.
Not play it by ear : PLAN
The phrase "not play it by ear" means to not rely on improvisation or spontaneity. The word "plan" is the right answer because it suggests having a predetermined strategy or course of action, which is the opposite of playing it by ear.
Not quite perpendicular : ATILT
The word "atilt" means not quite perpendicular or leaning to one side. It fits the clue because it describes something that is not perfectly upright or straight.
One taking the lion’s share : HOG
The term "taking the lion's share" means taking the largest or majority portion of something. A "HOG" is often used to describe someone or something that takes more than their fair share. Therefore, "HOG" is the right answer as it represents someone or something that takes the lion's share.
OPTO- : EYE-OPENING
"OPTO-" is a prefix that relates to vision or the eye. "EYE-OPENING" is a phrase that means surprising or revealing, which fits the clue. Therefore, "EYE-OPENING" is the right solution for "OPTO-".
Org. founded in 1897 as the National Congress of Mothers : PTA
The answer to "Org. founded in 1897 as the National Congress of Mothers" is "PTA" because PTA stands for Parent-Teacher Association, which is a national organization that promotes involvement and collaboration between parents and teachers to support children's education.
Pan, e.g. : GOD
The answer to "Pan, e.g." is "GOD" because Pan is a Greek god associated with nature, wilderness, and shepherds.
Place for an Adirondack chair : PATIO
The answer to "Place for an Adirondack chair" is "PATIO" because a patio is an outdoor area usually connected to a house, where people often place Adirondack chairs for relaxation and enjoyment.
Portend : AUGUR
"BODE" means to be an omen or a sign of something to come, which is synonymous with "portend". Therefore, "BODE" is the right solution for the given clue.
Repeats a mantra : CHANTS
The word "chants" fits the clue "Repeats a mantra" because chanting involves the repetition of words or phrases, often in a rhythmic or melodic manner, which aligns with the act of repeating a mantra.
Replete (with) : RIFE
The word "rife" means filled or abundant with something. In this case, it means being full or replete with something. Therefore, "rife" is the right answer for the clue "Replete (with)."
Second-most massive of the solar system’s known dwarf planets : PLUTO
The answer is "PLUTO" because it is the second-most massive dwarf planet in our solar system.
Seize illegally : USURP
The word "USURP" means to seize or take control of something illegally or without authority. It fits perfectly with the clue "Seize illegally" as it directly matches the definition and implies an unlawful act of taking over something.
Smith with the 1978 hit “Because the Night” : PATTI
Sporty vehicle, in brief : UTE
The answer "UTE" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for "utility vehicle" which is often associated with sporty vehicles.
Spot food, perhaps : ALPO
The answer "ALPO" is the right solution because it is a brand of dog food that is often associated with spots, as in the famous advertising slogan "Alpo: The Spot's Stew."
Stockings : HOSE
"Nylons" are a type of sheer, stretchy hosiery that are commonly referred to as stockings.
They’re mandatory : MUSTS
The answer "MUSTS" is the right solution because it refers to things that are required or obligatory, making them mandatory.
Trees that form colonies from a single root system : ASPENS
The answer is "ASPENS" because they are known to form colonies from a single root system.
Trimming tools : EDGERS
The answer to "Trimming tools" is "EDGERS" because edgers are specifically designed tools used for trimming or shaping the edges of lawns or gardens.
VALENTIN- : HEART-STOPPING
What composers use to settle the score? : NOTATION
The answer "NOTATION" is the right solution because composers use musical notation to write down and communicate their scores. Musical notation consists of symbols and marks that represent different musical sounds, durations, and expressions.
What the Dutch call “klompen” : CLOGS
The Dutch word for "klompen" is "clogs."
What’s the scoop? : LADLE
The word "scoop" can refer to a utensil used for serving or transferring food, like a ladle. Therefore, "LADLE" is the right answer to the clue "What's the scoop?"
Where one might let sleeping dogs lie : IN BED
The phrase "let sleeping dogs lie" means to avoid stirring up trouble or controversy. When we are in bed, we are resting or sleeping, which implies that we are not causing any trouble or disturbance. Therefore, the answer "IN BED" fits the clue.
Whole bunch : TON
"Slew" is a synonym for "a large amount" or "a whole bunch", making it the right solution for the clue.
_IGS_ _ : JAW-DROPPING
“Are you awake?” response : I’M UP
The answer "I'M UP" is the right solution because it is a common response to the question "Are you awake?" It indicates that the person is indeed awake and ready to start their day.
“Hulk” action : SMASH
The answer "SMASH" is the right solution because it accurately describes the action associated with the character Hulk. Hulk is known for his incredible strength and tendency to smash things.
“Me as well!” : I AM TOO!
The answer "I TOO!" is the right solution because it is a common phrase used to express agreement or similarity with someone else's statement.
“Star” follower, in Hollywood : … WARS
The answer is "WARS" because it follows the word "Star" in the phrase "Star Wars," which is a famous Hollywood film franchise.
“Time out!” : HOLD IT!
The answer "HOLD IT!" is the right solution to the clue "Time out!" because it is a common phrase used to interrupt or pause a situation or conversation.
“___ perfect world …” : IN A
The phrase "in a perfect world" is a common expression used to describe an ideal situation. The answer "IN A" fits perfectly as it completes the sentence and matches the clue.