ThePolyMathPursuit
1. Theme:Â Wordplay + Pop Culture
2. Difficulty: MediumÂ
3. Average Solve Time: 1–2 minutes
4. Pro Tip:Â Start with the shortest clues to gain quick momentum.Â
5. Best For: Beginners and Speed Solver
6. Puzzle Owner: Christina Iverson, New York TimesÂ
Today's puzzle was a delightful mix of straightforward clues and nostalgic references. From art institutions to classic cartoons, it kept solvers engaged and entertained.
– 1A: The "A" of MoMA – ART – 4A: Like steak tartare and carpaccio – RAW – 5A: Attire for wizards and judges – ROBES – 7A: Warm shade of yellowish-orange – AMBER – 8A: Most populous country in the Caribbean – HAITI – 9A: Messy room, so to speak – STY
– 1D: Noted features of bakeries and candle shops – AROMAS – 2D: What a magician might pull out of the [circled letters] – RABBIT – 3D: "I tawt I taw a puddy tat!" speaker – TWEETY – 5D: "Go team!" – RAH – 6D: ___ Lanka – SRIÂ
It's the mix of smart clues and playful ones... Plus, solving puzzles feels productive... And when you finish one? Straight dopamine hit.