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 31, 2025 .
USA TODAY Easy Crossword Answers for December 31, 2025
1 Across : Suburban grassy spaces – LAWNS
6 Across : Toast toppings – JAMS
10 Across : Hammer target – NAIL
14 Across : Incite __ (disturb the peace) – ARIOT
15 Across : Shower-gel additive – ALOE
16 Across : A single time – ONCE
17 Across : High-IQ club – MENSA
18 Across : Motel’s swimming spot – POOL
19 Across : Looked at – EYED
20 Across : Brunch offering – BAGELSANDLOX
23 Across : Highway divisions – LANES
24 Across : Bad habit – VICE
27 Across : Most recent – LATEST
31 Across : Allow to go free – LETOFF
33 Across : Commotions – ADOS
34 Across : Narrow gradually – TAPER
37 Across : Sci-fi vehicle: Abbr. – UFO
38 Across : Windy City baseball team – CHICAGOWHITESOX
42 Across : Snakelike fish – EEL
43 Across : Did piano maintenance – TUNED
44 Across : Metal thread – WIRE
45 Across : Like formal clothing – DRESSY
47 Across : Insurance brokers – AGENTS
49 Across : Lake near Niagara Falls – ERIE
50 Across : Heavy rope – CABLE
53 Across : Gift carton – CARDBOARDBOX
59 Across : First part of a play – ACTI
62 Across : Take creases out of clothes – IRON
63 Across : Wisdom tooth, e.g. – MOLAR
64 Across : Sword fight – DUEL
65 Across : Noisy – LOUD
66 Across : ”It’s the end of __” – ANERA
67 Across : Remain – STAY
68 Across : CPR experts – EMTS
69 Across : Full of gossip – NEWSY
1 Down : Young sheep – LAMB
2 Down : Square footage – AREA
3 Down : Airplane part – WING
4 Down : Rudolph’s red feature – NOSE
5 Down : Plays for time – STALLS
6 Down : Osaka’s country – JAPAN
7 Down : Without an escort – ALONE
8 Down : Frames of mind – MOODS
9 Down : Offer at retail – SELL
10 Down : ”You can’t get out here” sign – NOEXIT
11 Down : Unspecified amount – ANY
12 Down : Frozen cubes – ICE
13 Down : Acted as a guide – LED
21 Down : Occupied a chair – SAT
22 Down : In plain sight – OVERT
25 Down : Your aunt’s kid – COUSIN
26 Down : Physical exertion – EFFORT
27 Down : Tied, as shoes – LACED
28 Down : Stick (to) – ADHERE
29 Down : Hard worker – TOILER
30 Down : Upper-left PC keyboard key – ESC
31 Down : Luau garland – LEI
32 Down : Supposedly sly animals – FOXES
34 Down : Heavy weight – TON
35 Down : Dazzle – AWE
36 Down : Advanced degree: Abbr. – PHD
39 Down : In between ports – ATSEA
40 Down : Fellow – GUY
41 Down : Mom of a 1 Down – EWE
46 Down : Largest Italian island – SICILY
47 Down : __ carte (menu phrase) – ALA
48 Down : Berlin native – GERMAN
50 Down : Computer data holder: Abbr. – CAROM
51 Down : Approximately – ABOUT
52 Down : Wall Street buys – BONDS
54 Down : Irritate – RILE
55 Down : Cooked and ready to serve – DONE
56 Down : Extinguished, with ”out” – BLEW
57 Down : Rowboat implements – OARS
58 Down : Medical photo – XRAY
59 Down : TV commercials, e.g. – ADS
60 Down : Use scissors – CUT
61 Down : Hot herbal drink – TEA
How did you fare with today’s USA TODAY Easy Crossword? Did you cruise to a speedy victory?
Today’s USA Today Easy lived up to the name in the best way. The cluing was friendly and intuitive, perfect for a quick solve without feeling like it was phoning it in. Progress came fast, crossings did most of the work, and nothing felt sneaky or frustrating. It’s the kind of puzzle you knock out with coffee and feel instantly smarter for five minutes. Simple, smooth, and low stress, which is exactly the lane this puzzle should be in. I would 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.
