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 18, 2025 (Puzzle No. 17,354) .
Today’s Guardian Quick Crossword Answers for December 18, 2025
Let’s dive into the answers for the Guardian Quick Crossword for today.
1 Across: Sounds familiar (5,1,4) – RINGSABELL
7 Across: Dr. Alice (anag) – little root (7) – RADICLE
8 Across: Cow? (5) – LOWER
10 Across: Largest island of Inner Hebrides (4) – SKYE
11 Across: Unfair bias towards family and friends (8) – NEPOTISM
13 Across: Mass departure, biblical (6) – EXODUS
15 Across: Move rapidly out of control (6) – CAREER
17 Across: Rare metallic element – W (8) – TUNGSTEN
18 Across: Star increasing in brightness (4) – NOVA
21 Across: Faint – or a fainting fit (5) – SWOON
22 Across: Pressurized can (7) – AEROSOL
23 Across: Open these to remove all restrictions (10) – FLOODGATES
1 Down: Reddish (5) – RUDDY
2 Down: Enjoyable French resort (4) – NICE
3 Down: Ancient weight and Middle Eastern currency (6) – SHEKEL
4 Down: Royal residence (8) – BALMORAL
5 Down: Rotter (7) – LOWLIFE
6 Down: Booklet describing academic institution (10) – PROSPECTUS
9 Down: Noteworthy (10) – REMARKABLE
12 Down: Meets by chance (4,4) – RUNSINTO
14 Down: It’s scored by mistake (3,4) – OWNGOAL
16 Down: GP Anne (anag) – Malaysian state (6) – PENANG
19 Down: Rock band – found in desert? (5) – OASIS
20 Down: Legal document (4) – WRIT
What do you think of today’s Guardian Quick Crossword puzzle? Were you able to guess all the answers?
This Guardian Quick Crossword felt expansive and confident, mixing scientific ideas, history, religion, and wordplay-heavy clues in a way that kept the solve intellectually varied without losing momentum. I enjoyed how the puzzle alternated between clever reinterpretations and clean definitions, so you were constantly shifting gears rather than settling into a single solving mode. Several clues leaned on concepts of movement, change, and sudden release, which gave the grid a subtle sense of drama as it unfolded. The downs stitched everything together smoothly, adding cultural and geographical touches that balanced the more abstract moments. Overall, it was engaging, well-paced, and satisfyingly substantial for a Quick. I’d rate it 3.5 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.
