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 20, 2025 (Puzzle No. 17,356) .
Today’s Guardian Quick Crossword Answers for December 20, 2025
Let’s dive into the answers for the Guardian Quick Crossword for today.
1 Across: Nimble (4) – SPRY
3 Across: Approval (6-2) – THUMBSUP
9 Across: Police (slang) (3,4) – OLDBILL
10 Across: Scottish feudal lord (5) – THANE
11 Across: Whales’ food (5) – KRILL
12 Across: In disarray (6) – UNTIDY
14 Across: Don’t leave your vehicle here (2-7,4) – NOPARKINGZONE
17 Across: Ukrainian port – The __ File (6) – ODESSA
19 Across: Propose to give (5) – OFFER
22 Across: Bring forth (5) – EVOKE
23 Across: Slope (7) – INCLINE
24 Across: Kind ants (anag) (8) – INKSTAND
25 Across: Word before ‘fry’ or ‘crazy’ (4) – STIR
1 Down: Having available for sale – (combined with 8d – small gift) (8) – STOCKING
2 Down: Bones in arms (5) – RADII
4 Down: Erroneous belief, fantasy (13) – HALLUCINATION
5 Down: Choral composition (5) – MOTET
6 Down: Unpleasant person (2-3-2) – SOANDSO
7 Down: Exclamation of relief (4) – PHEW
8 Down: Unimportant news piece (combined with 1d – leg?) (6) – FILLER
13 Down: Listen twice – I strongly agree (4,4) – HEARHEAR
15 Down: Secure (7) – PADLOCK
16 Down: Grumbler, like Oscar? (6) – GROUCH
18 Down: Reeked – small fish (5) – SMELT
20 Down: Mock attack (5) – FEINT
21 Down: Strauss or Roots (4) – LEVI
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 lively, street-smart confidence, blending everyday expressions with more formal vocabulary in a way that kept the solve dynamic and engaging. I enjoyed how it jumped between slang, history, geography, and abstract concepts, forcing a constant shift in thinking rather than letting you settle into one mode. The longer, instruction-like entry in the grid acted as a strong visual and mental anchor, while the surrounding clues added texture through humor, anagrams, and expressive language. The downs complemented this nicely with a mix of anatomy, music, and playful definitions that stitched the whole puzzle together smoothly. It felt energetic, well-balanced, and distinctly Guardian in tone. 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.
