Firing up the Washington Post’s daily crossword is a classic ritual, but it can be a real brain-bender. Whether you’re a seasoned solver or just getting started, some days the clues (and that tricky theme!) just don’t click. Since the WaPo daily can be tough sometimes, solving it can be quite a challenge. If you’ve found yourself stuck on a few answers, you’ve come to the right guide. Here are hints and answers for today’s Washington Post (LA Times) Daily crossword puzzle.

Washington Post/LA Times Daily Crossword Answers Today – January 1, 2026 - 1

Note: The Washington Post and the LA Times share the same Daily Crossword every day, so you can play either.

Today’s Washington Post/LA Times Crossword Answers for December 25, 2025

  • 1 Across : Extract in some dog treats, briefly – CBD

  • 4 Across : Fare ways? – CABS

  • 8 Across : Blue Ribbon beer – PABST

  • 13 Across : Mine material – ORE

  • 14 Across : Tech gi-guide site – CNET

  • 15 Across : Uneasy feeling – AGITA

  • 16 Across : Produces apian-themed bedroom decor? – MAKESABEELINEN

  • 19 Across : Jessica of “e Better Sister” – BIEL

  • 20 Across : London’s prov. – ONT

  • 21 Across : Step up from amateur night – GIG

  • 22 Across : Cal. column – MON

  • 23 Across : Brand stylization such as camel case? – BUMPONALOGO

  • 28 Across : “R u 4 real!?” – OMG

  • 29 Across : 1860s prez – ABE

  • 30 Across : Before now – AGO

  • 31 Across : PG Tips and Barry’s – TEAS

  • 33 Across : Odds partner – ENDS

  • 36 Across : Contradict in court – REBUT

  • 40 Across : Creates cabernet with mallets? – HAMMERSOUTAWINE

  • 43 Across : Slumber – SLEEP

  • 44 Across : Tip-top – ACME

  • 45 Across : Element of cooled pudding – SKIN

  • 46 Across : Objective – AIM

  • 48 Across : “Tinker Bell” voice actress Whitman – MAE

  • 50 Across : Actress Mendes – EVA

  • 51 Across : English noble with an eyebrow ring? – PIECEDEARL

  • 56 Across : 43-Across letters – REM

  • 57 Across : One point in gin rummy – ACE

  • 58 Across : DC villain Luthor – LEX

  • 59 Across : Tie to a dock – MOOR

  • 61 Across : End-of-year perk, and what this puzzle’s circled letters form – CHRISTMASBONUS

  • 66 Across : Actor/director Waititi – TAIKA

  • 67 Across : Beauty aisle brand – OLAY

  • 68 Across : Unreliable stat from the chronically late – ETA

  • 69 Across : Like an intimidating climb – STEEP

  • 70 Across : Eyelid issue – STYE

  • 71 Across : Set – GEL

  • 1 Down : Burger, fries, and a drink, perhaps – COMBOMEAL

  • 2 Down : Cognitive ability improver – BRAINGAME

  • 3 Down : Hockey feint – DEKE

  • 4 Down : Includes, in a way – CCS

  • 5 Down : “Ballerina” actress de Armas – ANA

  • 6 Down : “__-a-Lula”: classic Gene Vincent hit – BEBOP

  • 7 Down : Real-time record-keeper, for short – STENO

  • 8 Down : Good bud – PAL

  • 9 Down : Form 1040 amt. – AGI

  • 10 Down : “at’s exactly right!” – BINGO

  • 11 Down : “Doctor De Soto” writer/illustrator William – STEING

  • 12 Down : Dance with gure-eight steps – TANGO

  • 17 Down : Idris of “Hijack” – ELBA

  • 18 Down : Volcano where Bronte pistachios are grown – ETNA

  • 22 Down : Wool-loving pests – MOTHS

  • 24 Down : __ Eats – UBER

  • 25 Down : Society for smarties – MENSA

  • 26 Down : Taj Mahal city – AGRA

  • 27 Down : Luxury hotel chain – LOEWS

  • 32 Down : Spread, as peanut butter – SMEAR

  • 34 Down : Sleepy housemate – DOC

  • 35 Down : __ cum laude – SUMMA

  • 37 Down : Trail for cyclists – BIKEROUTE

  • 38 Down : Covering everything – UNIVERSAL

  • 39 Down : Brunch date hr. – TENAM

  • 41 Down : Extraordinary – EPIC

  • 42 Down : Feature of some distressed jeans – TEAR

  • 47 Down : Turn to liquid – MELT

  • 49 Down : Furry red Muppet – ELMO

  • 51 Down : Promises between besties – PACTS

  • 52 Down : Apple’s old messaging app – ICHAT

  • 53 Down : Haunting – EERIE

  • 54 Down : Short exhibitions – DEMOS

  • 55 Down : Speak highly of – EXALT

  • 60 Down : Pull felt on Earth – ONEG

  • 62 Down : 1950s prez – IKE

  • 63 Down : Sucker – SAP

  • 64 Down : Go – SAY

  • 65 Down : “Ta-ta” – BYE

Washington Post/LA Times Daily Crossword Answers Today – December 25, 2025 - 2

Today’s Washington Post crossword feels confident and clean, like a grid that knows exactly what it wants to be. The fill is approachable without being sleepy, with plenty of modern energy and smooth crossings that reward steady solving instead of cheap tricks. There is a nice balance between straightforward entries and a few spots that slow you down just enough to make the payoff satisfying. Nothing feels forced or overly cute, and the overall construction stays tight from start to finish. It is the kind of puzzle that works well whether you breeze through or savor it clue by clue. I would rate it 4 out of 5.

You can also checkout today’s answers for other Crossword puzzles below:

  • NYT Mini Crossword Hints and Answers
  • LA Times Mini Crossword
  • USA Today Crossword Hints and Answers

How to Play Washington Post/LA Times Crossword Puzzle

You can play the daily crossword for free on the Washington Post’s website under their “Games” section.

  1. Choose a Clue: Click on any clue in the “Across” or “Down” lists.
  2. Enter Your Answer: The corresponding squares in the grid will be highlighted. Type your answer. The cursor will automatically move to the next square.
  3. Switch Directions: You can press the spacebar or click a square a second time to toggle between “Across” and “Down.”
  4. Check Your Work: You can press the “Check” or “Reveal” feature if you get truly stuck.

That’s it, folks, come back again tomorrow for a fresh set of answers.