Looking for a quick and fun way to boost your brainpower? The USA TODAY Easy Crossword is your perfect daily fit! This puzzle is designed to be accessible and solvable, offering straightforward clues and answers in a compact grid. Whether you’re a total beginner or just looking for a relaxing solve, we’re here to help you cross the finish line. Below are the clues and solutions for today’s USA TODAY Easy Crossword for December 16, 2025 .
Today’s USA TODAY Easy Crossword Answers for December 16, 2025
1 Across: Japanese martial art – JUDO
5 Across: Oregon or Oklahoma – STATE
10 Across: Make, as tea – BREW
14 Across: Digital music player – IPOD
15 Across: ”Is everything all right?” – YOUOK
16 Across: Go here and there – ROVE
17 Across: Solitary – LONE
18 Across: Kitchen appliance – RANGE
19 Across: To __ (perfectly) – ATEE
20 Across: Explosive letters – TNT
21 Across: ”Wait!”- JUSTASECOND
23 Across: Jumped – LEAPT
25 Across: In plain sight – OVERT
26 Across: Unvarying – STEADY
28 Across: Helpful hints – CLUES
30 Across: Wipe, as a blackboard – ERASE
31 Across: Horses’ gaits – TROTS
32 Across: Place a wager – BET
35 Across: Roof overhang – EAVE
36 Across: Competed in a marathon – RAN
37 Across: Decorate anew – REDO
38 Across: Sandwich bread – RYE
39 Across: Bee’s defense – STING
41 Across: Welcome words to a hitchhiker – HOPIN
42 Across: California/Nevada lake – TAHOE
43 Across: Tell, as a story – RELATE
44 Across: Gleam – SHINE
46 Across: Gave out cards – DEALT
47 Across: ”Wait!” – STICKAROUND
50 Across: Mischievous kid – IMP
53 Across: Home for a pet fish – TANK
54 Across: Overcooked – BURNT
55 Across: Neutral or reverse – GEAR
56 Across: Suggest strongly – URGE
57 Across: Exact duplicate – CLONE
58 Across: Poker-pot starter – ANTE
59 Across: Borscht vegetable – BEET
60 Across: Madrid mister – SENOR
61 Across: Dance move – STEP
1 Down: Abandon at the altar – JILT
2 Down: ”Once __ a time . . .” – UPON
3 Down: ”Wait!” – DONTLEAVE
4 Down: Verse of praise – ODE
5 Down: Like molasses – SYRUPY
6 Down: Breakfast bread – TOAST
7 Down: Mom’s sister – AUNT
8 Down: Ancient Roman garment – TOGA
9 Down: Barely makes, as a living – EKESOUT
10 Down: Prepares for a jolt – BRACES
11 Down: Helicopter blade – ROTOR
12 Down: Important happening – EVENT
13 Down: Dandelion, for one – WEED
21 Down: Green gemstone – JADE
22 Down: Nights before holidays – EVES
24 Down: Make simpler – EASE
26 Down: Crystal-ball user – SEER
27 Down: Highchair feature – TRAY
28 Down: Construction-site machine – CRANE
29 Down: Lasting quite a while – LONG
31 Down: Duet plus one – TRIO
32 Down: ”Wait!” – BEPATIENT
33 Down: Fix up, as prose – EDIT
34 Down: Sound quality – TONE
37 Down: Breadbasket item – ROLL
39 Down: Fell gradually – SANK
40 Down: What preschoolers learn – THEABCS
41 Down: Lettuce purchase – HEAD
42 Down: Box-office purchase – TICKET
43 Down: Tenant – RENTER
44 Down: Fixed gaze – STARE
45 Down: Door attachment – HINGE
46 Down: ”Beats me!” – DUNNO
47 Down: Checkbook remnant – STUB
48 Down: Regulation – RULE
49 Down: ”__ the other hand . . .” (alternatively) – ORON
51 Down: Spouse – MATE
52 Down: Make ready, for short – PREP
55 Down: Hydrogen or neon – GAS
How did you fare with today’s USA TODAY Easy Crossword? Did you cruise to a speedy victory?
This USA TODAY puzzle for December 16, 2025, is a clever example of how a simple concept can create a very organized and enjoyable solve. The best part is a clever trick where the same one-word clue— “Wait!” —is used for four different long answers. It’s fun to see how many ways there are to say that one simple thought. The puzzle feels like a friendly conversation because it uses everyday language, like things you would say to a friend or phrases you hear at home. With a good mix of topics like food, sports, and gadgets, it stays interesting from start to finish. It is easy to solve but still feels very clever and well-put-together. I’d rate it 4 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 Answers
How to Play the USA TODAY Easy Crossword
Playing the USA TODAY Easy Crossword is hassle-free and lightning-fast.
- The Goal: The object is to completely fill the 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 Easy Crossword is released every day, guaranteeing a fresh burst of puzzle fun.
