The Guardian Quick Crossword is the perfect daily dose of wordplay! Unlike its notoriously difficult Cryptic sibling, the Quick Crossword is definition-based and highly accessible, offering a snappy, satisfying challenge that’s great for a coffee break or a morning commute. We know how addictive this daily puzzle can be, so to help you out (or just confirm your brilliant solves!), here are the answers for today’s Guardian Quick Crossword for December 16, 2025 (Puzzle No. 17,352) .

The Guardian Quick Crossword Answers - 1

Today’s Guardian Quick Crossword Answers for December 16, 2025

Let’s dive into the answers for the Guardian Quick Crossword for today.

  • 1 Across: Bankrupt (4) – BUST

  • 3 Across: Smart cow (anag) – tiny heap of earth (8) – WORMCAST

  • 8 Across: Food – thick-coated dog (4) – CHOW

  • 9 Across: Gaseous element (8) – NITROGEN

  • 11 Across: These can be vital (10) – STATISTICS

  • 14 Across: Minnie or Baby (6) – DRIVER

  • 15 Across: Mussolini (2,4) – ILDUCE

  • 17 Across: List of words (10) – VOCABULARY

  • 20 Across: Hitchcock film (3,5) – THEBIRDS

  • 21 Across: Disreputable place (4) – DIVE

  • 22 Across: Favourite food of silkworms (8) – MULBERRY

  • 23 Across: Count votes (4) – TELL

  • 1 Down: Posterior (8) – BACKSIDE

  • 2 Down: Landlocked European country (8) – SLOVAKIA

  • 4 Down: Substance with sedative properties (6) – OPIATE

  • 5 Down: Unbelievably amazing (10) – MIRACULOUS

  • 6 Down: Seaweed, e.g. (4) – ALGA

  • 7 Down: Hue – change or influence slightly (4) – TINT

  • 10 Down: Dolly’s eight hour day? (4,2,4) – NINETOFIVE

  • 12 Down: Commonly supposed to be (8) – PUTATIVE

  • 13 Down: OK – in excellent health (4,4) – VERYWELL

  • 16 Down: Look or glance (6) – GANDER

  • 18 Down: Stalk (4) – STEM

  • 19 Down: Greenish-blue (4) – TEAL

The Guardian Quick Crossword (17,352) Today Answers - December 16, 2025 - 2

What do you think of today’s Guardian Quick Crossword puzzle? Were you able to guess all the answers?

This Guardian Quick Crossword had a solid, traditional feel, balanced nicely by a mix of straightforward definitions and playful rearrangements that kept the solve engaging. I liked how the puzzle moved between academic language, everyday places, and cultural references, giving it variety without losing coherence. The wordplay was gentle but satisfying, and a familiar workday-themed clue added a quiet moment of humor. Overall, it was well-paced and confidently constructed. 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
  • USA Today Crossword Hints and Answers
  • The New Yorker Crossword Answers
  • The New Yorker Mini Crossword Answers

How to Play The Guardian Quick Crossword

Playing The Guardian Quick Crossword is simple, making it a great daily habit.

  • The Goal: Fill in the full 15×15 grid with words that fit the clues, both Across and Down.
  • The Clues: Unlike the main Cryptic puzzle, these clues are direct definitions or synonyms of the answer word. The number in parentheses at the end of the clue tells you the exact number of letters in the answer.
  • The Grid Size: This is a full-sized crossword, meaning the words are longer than those in the Mini, giving you a substantial but still manageable puzzle.
  • Intersections: The key to solving is using the intersecting letters. A letter you fill in for an “Across” word must also be the correct starting or middle letter for a “Down” word, and vice versa. This cross-referencing is your greatest solving tool.
  • Daily Refresh: The puzzle refreshes daily on The Guardian’s website, so there’s always a new puzzle waiting.