A “Clever” Challenge: NYT Crossword Answers Are Fun with Alliterative Clues

July 28, 2025: NY Some of the more experienced puzzle solvers on the New York Times Games team think that Monday crosswords are a little too easy. But today’s puzzle by Brian Callahan promises to be a nice break. People call this crossword “a delightful romp” since it has brilliant NYT crossword answers and breaks away from the usual fill. The best part is that every clue starts with the letter “C.”

This smart “constraint” keeps the puzzle interesting. Callahan uses the letter in inventive ways, like in “Cousin of a cruller or bear claw” (15-Down) and “China’s continent” (36-Down). There are even two times when “Christmas” comes up. The fill is still good for a Monday, so it’s easy for newbies to use. However, Callahan said in his constructor comments that he had to make it simpler after it was first submitted.

Also Read: Wordle Answer Today: Hints and Solution for July 25!

The puzzle has four theme answers, three of which are new, and they are all connected by the revealer at 65-Across, which is OPEN SEAS. There are two words in each theme answer, and they both start with the letter “C.” Basketball aficionados will instantly recognize CAITLIN CLARK among the new players, as her full name is in the grid.

Here are some important clues and answers from the NYT crossword:

57A. OMNI: The [Chain of premium hotels], which is sometimes used as a hint instead of Hyatt or Wyndham.

63A. WIDGET: A [Cellphone’s weather app, for example], initially meant “gadget” but now means “small software application.”

11D. SLANG: “[“Chill,” e.g., for “relax”], a creative technique to hint at a change in terms.

17D. HIC: A clever hint for [Cartoon sound from an intoxicated person], usually given as a fruit drink brand.

19A. EIEIO: The part of the well-known children’s song [“Old MacDonald had a farm …”] that everyone knows.

21D. EOS: This is one of my favorite clues because it has to do with the heavens: [Canon camera brand named after a goddess].

54D. INDRA: The [Chief Hindu god], a warrior monarch who was famous for managing the weather.

64D. ETS: For “Coneheads,” which is short for “Coneheads,” a movie that came out in 1993 based on a “Saturday Night Live” joke.