Looking for a fun way to boost your brainpower? The USA TODAY Crossword is your perfect daily fit! This puzzle offers a mix of modern clues and straightforward answers in a compact grid. Whether you’re a pro solver or just starting your crossword journey, we’re here to help you cross the finish line. Below are the clues and solutions for today’s USA TODAY Crossword for December 16, 2025.
Today’s USA TODAY Crossword Answers for December 16, 2025
1 Across: Hoppy craft beers – IPAS
5 Across: Cinderella’s little helpers – MICE
9 Across: Like honey straight from the hive – RAW
12 Across: Extend a membership, say – REUP
13 Across: Succulent that dies after blooming – AGAVE
15 Across: Herb with gray-green leaves – SAGE
16 Across: Teeny bit – IOTA
17 Across: Prefix for “com” or “net” – INTER
18 Across: Totally nailed – ACED
19 Across: Layered dessert with cake, cream and fruit – SPUMONITRIFLE
22 Across: Tree on North Dakota’s state seal – ELM
23 Across: Governor’s override – VETO
24 Across: Puts into office – ELECTS
27 Across: Smell or taste – SENSE
29 Across: Organ with a lid – EYE
31 Across: Nebraska city west of Council Bluffs – OMAHA
32 Across: Buffet table dispenser – URN
34 Across: Attorney’s expertise – LAW
36 Across: Color of gochugaru – RED
37 Across: Concrete tasks to get done – ACTIONITEMS
41 Across: “Go no further!” – HALT
43 Across: Toothpaste topper – CAP
44 Across: Distinct stretch of time – ERA
45 Across: Opposed to – ANTI
46 Across: Messes up – ERRS
48 Across: Docs that might be e-signed – PDFS
51 Across: Brownstone sitting areas – STOOPS
53 Across: Sci-fi transport – UFO
55 Across: ___ Speedwagon – REO
57 Across: “I hate to quibble, but…” – NOTTONITPICK
61 Across: Classic sagas in poetry – EPICS
64 Across: Casino calculations – ODDS
65 Across: Brainchild of a thinker – IDEA
66 Across: Fish with a brook variety – TROUT
67 Across: Bearded barnyard animal – GOAT
68 Across: Noblewoman’s title – LADY
69 Across: Insurgent takeovers – COUPS
70 Across: Greek god of war – ARES
71 Across : Strong drain cleaners – LYES
1 Down: Colored eye parts – IRISES
2 Down: The “P” in PETA – PEOPLE
3 Down: Common harvest season – AUTUMN
4 Down: Flood with emails – SPAM
5 Down: State known for lobster rolls – MAINE
6 Down: Set on fire – IGNITE
7 Down: Plaything in a meowbox – CATTOY
8 Down: At any point – EVER
9 Down: Vehicles that make pit stops – RACECARS
10 Down: 90, for a new nonagenarian – AGE
11 Down: Get hitched – WED
14 Down: Great Lake linked to the Welland Canal – ERIE
15 Down: Oregon State Fair city – SALEM
20 Down: In-your-face – OVERT
21 Down: Earthenware container for blooms – FLOWERPOT
25 Down: Off ___ charts – THE
26 Down: Feeling gloomy – SAD
28 Down: Part of an octopus tentacle – SUCTIONCUP
30 Down: Actor Goree – EIL
33 Down: Most pleasant – NICEST
35 Down: Dug into some pierogi, say – ATE
37 Down: Vocal range below soprano – ALTO
38 Down: Crew team blade” – OAR
39 Down: Planet Money” network – NPR
40 Down: Irate – MAD
41 Down: “She ___ a point” – HAS
42 Down: Hill-building insect- ANT
47 Down: Ice cream dessert – SUNDAE
49 Down: End of the workweek, for some – FRIDAY
50 Down: Formally withdraw – SECEDE
52 Down: Uploads to social media – POSTS
54 Down: They might be pumped after wins – FISTS
56 Down: Signs off on – OKAYS
58 Down: Ancient Roman garment – TOGA
59 Down: Horrible smell – ODOR
60 Down: Softgel or tablet – PILL
61 Down: “I could go on” – ETC
62 Down: No amateur – PRO
63 Down : Promise-to-pay note – IOU
How did you fare with today’s USA TODAY Crossword? Did you cruise to victory or get briefly stumped?
This USA Today Crossword felt expansive and energetic, the kind of grid that keeps you moving because there’s always a familiar foothold nearby. I really liked how it blended food, geography, pop culture, and everyday language into a smooth, almost conversational flow, with longer entries acting like clear anchors that organized the solve without slowing it down. There’s a nice balance here between concrete, image-based clues and more abstract phrasing, which made the puzzle feel lively rather than list-like. The downs stitched everything together efficiently, offering plenty of quick wins while still reinforcing the broader structure of the grid. Overall, it’s a well-rounded, confidence-building solve that feels substantial without ever becoming tiring. I’d rate it 4.5 out of 5.
You can also check out today’s answers for other Crossword puzzles below:
- NYT Mini Crossword Hints and Answers
- Washington Post/LA Times Crossword Hints and Answers
- LA Times Mini Crossword Hints and Answers
- Washington Post Mini Meta Crossword
- Boston Globe Mini Crossword Hints and Answers
How to Play the USA TODAY Crossword
Playing the USA TODAY Crossword is hassle-free and lightning-fast.
- The Goal: The object is to completely fill the small grid with words that correctly answer the “Across” (horizontal) and “Down” (vertical) clues.
- The Clues: Use the list of clues provided for each direction.
- Word Length: The grid itself guides you on the length of the words. A correct letter in one direction will often give you a helpful starting letter for the intersecting word.
- Intersections: Look for those crossing points! Solving an easy “Across” clue can provide key letters that make a tougher “Down” clue suddenly click.
- Daily Refresh: A brand new USA TODAY Crossword is released every day, guaranteeing a fresh burst of puzzle fun daily.
