WSJ Crossword Answers Solved: April 16, 2025 🧩📰

Welcome, puzzle aficionados and fans of challenging wsj crosswords! If you’re grappling with the intricacies of the Wall Street Journal Crossword for Wednesday, April 16, 2025 (4/16/25), you’ve found your ultimate resource. The daily puzzle from the esteemed Wall Street Journal is a celebrated test of wit, vocabulary, and lateral thinking, setting a high bar for crossword enthusiasts everywhere. Finding accurate solutions promptly can be essential, whether you’re verifying a tricky intersection, seeking a hint, or reviewing the grid after completion. Understanding the nuances of wsj crosswords often requires careful thought.

This page provides a comprehensive breakdown of all answers for the April 16th, 2025, wsj crosswords puzzle. We go beyond a simple list, offering explanations derived from the clue structure and general knowledge to help illuminate the constructor’s intent. While some prefer the rapid-fire nature of smaller puzzles, delving into the wsj crosswords offers a uniquely rewarding experience. Our aim is to be your reliable daily guide for these sophisticated grids. For a broader range of puzzle solutions, you might explore resources like Mini Crossword Answers Today. Let’s conquer today’s Wall Street Journal crossword answers!

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Quick Answers Overview
Across Clues
Down Clues
Final Words

Quick Answers Overview

For solvers seeking immediate verification, here is the complete answer list for the April 16, 2025, WSJ Crossword:

Across:

1A: FAKEIT
7A: CATALPA
14A: ETRADE
15A: BARRIERS
16A: TOOTLE
17A: ERNURSES
18A: ANGIE
19A: SALEM
20A: ENRAPT
22A: SPURS
26A: BORG
28A: CAR
29A: SENATE
31A: ANS
32A: SARI
33A: TUBER
34A: METRO
36A: EXT
38A: EMBER
39A: BROOM
40A: PEAR
42A: IRE
43A: AEROBE
45A: OPI
46A: PTSD
47A: PETRI
48A: TEMPEH
50A: ELITE
52A: ADOPT
55A: BUMARIDE
59A: ITALIA
60A: IMALOSER
61A: SILENT
62A: NATASHA
63A: MOSSES

Down:

1D: FETA
2D: ATON
3D: KROGERSTORE
4D: EATING
5D: IDLER
6D: TEE
7D: CARL
8D: ARNESS
9D: TRUMPETER
10D: AIR
11D: LES
12D: PRE
13D: ASS
15D: BEATRIXPOTTER
19D: SPARE
21D: ACA
23D: UNUM
24D: RABBITHOLES
25D: STEERS
26D: BAMBA
27D: ONEREP
30D: ERRED
32D: SOMBREROS
35D: ROOT
37D: TEPEE
41D: AIM
44D: EILISH
46D: PEDALS
49D: PATIO
51D: IDEA
53D: PINE
54D: TATS
55D: BIN
56D: UMA
57D: MAT
58D: ALA
59D: ISM

(Detailed explanations for each clue follow below. This quick list helps verify answers rapidly when solving wsj crosswords)

Across Clues

Let’s delve into the Across clues and their solutions for the April 16, 2025, edition of the wsj crosswords.

1A What to do before being successful?

Answer: FAKEIT
Explanation: This clue cleverly references the well-known motivational phrase “Fake it ’til you make it.” The answer, FAKEIT, represents the initial action suggested by the idiom – projecting confidence or competence as a pathway to achieving actual success. It’s a common type of phrase completion seen in wsj crosswords.

7A Tree with heart-shaped leaves and beanlike seedpods

Answer: CATALPA
Explanation: A botanical knowledge clue. The CATALPA tree precisely matches this description. Known for its distinctive large, heart-shaped leaves and long, slender seedpods resembling beans, it’s a specific answer required by many challenging wsj crosswords. You can verify its characteristics on Wikipedia’s Catalpa page.

14A Morgan Stanley subsidiary

Answer: ETRADE
Explanation: This clue tests awareness of corporate finance and major financial institutions. ETRADE, a prominent online brokerage platform, became a subsidiary of the global investment bank Morgan Stanley following an acquisition completed in 2020. Knowledge of such major business events is sometimes needed for wsj crosswords.

15A Fences and dams, e.g.

Answer: BARRIERS
Explanation: A definitional clue using examples. Both fences and dams function primarily as physical obstructions designed to restrict movement or flow. The general term encompassing these examples is BARRIERS. WSJ crosswords often use “e.g.” to signal this type of relationship.

16A Play a flute

Answer: TOOTLE
Explanation: This clue seeks an informal verb associated with playing certain wind instruments. TOOTLE often describes playing a flute, recorder, or similar instrument in a light, casual, perhaps non-expert manner. Its playful sound matches the informal nature of the word often found in wsj crosswords.

17A Some lifesavers, for short

Answer: ERNURSES
Explanation: This clue combines an abbreviation (“for short”) with figurative language (“lifesavers”). “ER” stands for Emergency Room. Nurses working in emergency rooms (ERNURSES) are quite literally lifesavers in many critical medical situations. This type of construction is common in wsj crosswords.

18A Plaintive 1973 Rolling Stones hit

Answer: ANGIE
Explanation: Requires pop culture knowledge, specifically classic rock. ANGIE is a well-known, melancholic ballad released by The Rolling Stones in 1973. Its acoustic arrangement and emotional lyrics fit the description “plaintive.” Familiarity with major musical acts is helpful for wsj crosswords.

19A Continental U.S. state capital that’s closest to the Pacific

Answer: SALEM
Explanation: A specific geography clue demanding knowledge of US state capitals. SALEM, the capital city of Oregon, holds the distinction of being the state capital within the continental United States situated nearest to the Pacific Ocean coastline. Verifying locations on Google Maps can be useful for geography clues in wsj crosswords.

20A Wholly absorbed

Answer: ENRAPT
Explanation: This clue asks for a verb synonymous with being completely captivated, fascinated, or engrossed. ENRAPT perfectly describes the state of being held spellbound or filled with intense delight and attention.

22A NBA team that began as the Dallas Chaparrals

Answer: SPURS
Explanation: Tests knowledge of sports history, specifically the NBA. The San Antonio SPURS, a successful NBA franchise, trace their origins back to the Dallas Chaparrals team in the rival American Basketball Association (ABA) before relocating and eventually joining the NBA. Such team histories are fair game in wsj crosswords.

26A Tennis great who never won the U.S. Open

Answer: BORG
Explanation: Another sports history clue, this time focusing on tennis legends. Björn BORG, the iconic Swedish tennis player, achieved numerous Grand Slam victories at Wimbledon and the French Open but notably never secured the U.S. Open title, despite multiple final appearances. Recognizing major figures across sports is key for solving wsj crosswords.

28A Lucid, e.g.

Answer: CAR
Explanation: The “e.g.” indicates an example is needed. Lucid Motors is a manufacturer of electric vehicles. Therefore, a Lucid vehicle is an example of a CAR. Brand knowledge is often tested in wsj crosswords.

29A House mate?

Answer: SENATE
Explanation: This uses wordplay, indicated by the question mark. Within the structure of the United States Congress, the House of Representatives and the SENATE are the two co-equal legislative chambers, metaphorically “mates” forming the legislative branch. WSJ crosswords delight in such puns.

31A Years, for Yves

Answer: ANS
Explanation: A straightforward foreign language clue. “Yves” is a common French first name. The corresponding French word for “years” is ANS. Basic foreign vocabulary frequently appears in wsj crosswords.

32A Draped dress

Answer: SARI
Explanation: This clue describes a specific type of traditional clothing. A SARI is a well-known garment from South Asia, consisting of a long piece of cloth skillfully draped around the woman’s body. Cultural knowledge is often part of wsj crosswords.

33A Jicama, for example

Answer: TUBER
Explanation: A food and botany clue using “for example.” Jicama is an edible root. While technically a taproot, it shares characteristics with and is often grouped with tubers (like potatoes) in culinary discussions relevant to wsj crosswords. The answer required is the category TUBER.

34A Transit option to get from the Smithsonian to the Pentagon

Answer: METRO
Explanation: Requires specific knowledge of the Washington D.C. area’s public transportation. The Washington METRO (Metrorail system) provides a convenient and direct transit route connecting the National Mall area (where many Smithsonian museums are located) with the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. Local knowledge can pop up in wsj crosswords.

36A Opposite of int.

Answer: EXT
Explanation: This clue focuses on abbreviations common in filmmaking and playwriting. “INT.” stands for “Interior,” indicating an indoor scene. Its standard opposite, used for outdoor scenes, is “EXT.,” short for “Exterior.” WSJ crosswords sometimes test specialized jargon.

38A Smoldering bit

Answer: EMBER
Explanation: A simple vocabulary clue. An EMBER is a small, glowing piece of wood or coal that remains after a fire has largely died down but is still hot.

39A Witch craft?

Answer: BROOM
Explanation: A punny clue, signaled by the question mark. “Craft” can refer to a vehicle, especially for flight (like aircraft, spacecraft). In folklore and popular culture, witches are famously depicted as flying on a BROOM, making it their mode of “craft” or transport. WSJ crosswords are known for this type of wordplay.

40A Fruit basket fruit

Answer: PEAR
Explanation: A common knowledge clue. A PEAR is a type of fruit very frequently included in gift fruit baskets due to its shape, taste, and relative durability. WSJ crosswords include many such everyday items.

42A Outrage

Answer: IRE
Explanation: A direct vocabulary clue asking for a synonym for intense anger or fury. IRE is a concise, three-letter word fitting this definition, common in wsj crosswords for filling tight spots. This specific clue was also noted in other sources covering wsj crosswords for this date.

43A Organism needing oxygen

Answer: AEROBE
Explanation: A term from biology. An AEROBE is defined as any organism that requires the presence of free oxygen for metabolic processes, particularly cellular respiration. Scientific vocabulary appears regularly in wsj crosswords.

45A Nail polish brand

Answer: OPI
Explanation: Another brand name clue. OPI is a globally recognized and popular brand specializing in nail lacquers and treatments. Brand awareness is often tested in wsj crosswords.

46A Diagnosis for some returning vets: Abbr.

Answer: PTSD
Explanation: This clue references a significant health issue often faced by military personnel (“returning vets”). The abbreviation indicator (“Abbr.”) confirms the need for the acronym. PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a condition recognized in wsj crosswords.

47A Transparent dish type

Answer: PETRI
Explanation: Refers to common laboratory equipment. A PETRI dish is a shallow, cylindrical, transparent dish with a lid, used primarily for culturing bacteria or other microorganisms.

48A Tofu cousin

Answer: TEMPEH
Explanation: A food-related clue comparing two soy products. TEMPEH, originating from Indonesia, is made from fermented soybeans and formed into a cake. Like tofu, it’s a popular plant-based protein source, hence considered a “cousin.” Knowledge of diverse foods enhances success with wsj crosswords.

50A Top-tier

Answer: ELITE
Explanation: Asks for a word signifying the highest level or best quality. ELITE describes a select group considered superior in status, ability, or qualities.

52A Make one’s own

Answer: ADOPT
Explanation: This clue requires a verb with multiple meanings. To ADOPT can mean to legally take another’s child as one’s own, or to embrace or take up an idea, method, or course of action. The clue fits both common uses encountered in wsj crosswords.

55A Hitch

Answer: BUMARIDE
Explanation: Uses an informal term (“Hitch”) for seeking a free car ride. The answer, BUMARIDE, is a colloquial expression meaning to ask for or get such a ride. Informal language sometimes features in wsj crosswords.

59A Napoli’s nation

Answer: ITALIA
Explanation: Requires knowing the Italian name for Naples (Napoli) and its country. Naples is a major city in Italy. The Italian word for Italy is ITALIA. WSJ crosswords occasionally use native place names.

60A 1964 Beatles song

Answer: IMALOSER
Explanation: Pop culture music clue. “I’m a Loser” is a song released by The Beatles on their 1964 album “Beatles for Sale.” The answer contracts “I’m a” into IMALOSER. Knowledge of iconic bands is common in wsj crosswords.

61A Like Chaplin’s “City Lights”

Answer: SILENT
Explanation: Film history clue. Charlie Chaplin’s acclaimed 1931 film “City Lights” was produced during the sound era but remained predominantly a SILENT film, relying on mime, title cards, and music. Classic cinema is a frequent topic in wsj crosswords.

62A British singer Bedingfield

Answer: NATASHA
Explanation: Pop culture clue asking for a singer’s first name. NATASHA Bedingfield is a well-known British singer with international hits like “Unwritten.”

63A Terrarium growths

Answer: MOSSES
Explanation: Botany clue related to indoor gardening. MOSSES are small, simple plants that thrive in the damp, enclosed environment of a terrarium.

Down Clues

Let’s explore the vertical answers that weave through the Across entries in this wsj crosswords grid.

1D Crumbly salad topper

Answer: FETA
Explanation: A food clue describing a popular cheese. FETA cheese is characterized by its salty taste and crumbly texture, making it a common addition to salads. Culinary terms are standard fare in wsj crosswords.

2D Scads

Answer: ATON
Explanation: “Scads” signifies a large quantity. ATON, often part of the informal phrase “a ton,” means a great deal or a large amount.

3D Ralphs, Fred Meyer or Harris Teeter, e.g.

Answer: KROGERSTORE
Explanation: Lists several US supermarket chains. These are all brands owned by The Kroger Co. Therefore, they are examples of a KROGERSTORE. Recognizing corporate ownership is sometimes key for wsj crosswords. Check brands on Kroger’s website.

4D Absorbing, as an expense

Answer: EATING
Explanation: Uses an idiomatic sense of the verb “eat.” In business or finance, EATING a cost means to absorb the expense rather than passing it on or seeking reimbursement. Figurative language is common in wsj crosswords.

5D Sluggard

Answer: IDLER
Explanation: Vocabulary clue. A sluggard is a habitually lazy person. An IDLER is someone who avoids activity or employment.

6D Simple top

Answer: TEE
Explanation: Asks for a basic type of upper garment. A TEE shirt is a simple, typically collarless shirt.

7D Composer Orff

Answer: CARL
Explanation: Classical music knowledge. CARL Orff (1895–1982) was the German composer most famous for his influential cantata “Carmina Burana.” Composers frequently appear in wsj crosswords.

8D James of “Gunsmoke”

Answer: ARNESS
Explanation: Classic television trivia. James ARNESS portrayed Marshal Matt Dillon for two decades on the iconic Western series “Gunsmoke.” TV history is a staple of wsj crosswords.

9D Swan species

Answer: TRUMPETER
Explanation: Zoology clue. The TRUMPETER swan is a large North American waterfowl known for its resonant, trumpet-like call.

10D Intangible quality

Answer: AIR
Explanation: Refers to a distinctive but intangible atmosphere or quality surrounding a person or place, such as an “air of mystery” or “air of authority.”

11D _ Halles (Paris food market)

Answer: LES
Explanation: Geography/landmark clue. LES Halles was the historic central marketplace of Paris, famous for its food stalls. Knowledge of international landmarks is useful for wsj crosswords.

12D Before, as a beginning

Answer: PRE
Explanation: Asks for a common prefix indicating precedence in time or order. PRE- means “before” (e.g., preview, prefix). This clue was also highlighted by external sources covering wsj crosswords for this date.

13D Imbecile

Answer: ASS
Explanation: Vocabulary, asking for a harsh, derogatory term for a stupid or contemptible person. ASS is a common, though offensive, answer in wsj crosswords for such clues. This clue was also highlighted by external sources.

15D “The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies” author

Answer: BEATRIXPOTTER
Explanation: Children’s literature clue. BEATRIXPOTTER was the renowned English author and illustrator of beloved children’s books featuring animal characters like Peter Rabbit and the Flopsy Bunnies. Literary figures are frequent subjects in wsj crosswords.

19D Left over

Answer: SPARE
Explanation: Vocabulary clue asking for an adjective meaning remaining, extra, or not currently in use. SPARE fits this definition (e.g., “spare tire,” “spare key”). This clue was also highlighted by external sources covering wsj crosswords for this date.

21D Key Obama legislation, for short

Answer: ACA
Explanation: Political/historical abbreviation. The Affordable Care Act, a major healthcare reform law enacted during Barack Obama’s presidency, is commonly abbreviated as ACA. Acronyms are prevalent in wsj crosswords.

23D Word split by an oak branch on a dime’s back

Answer: UNUM
Explanation: Requires knowledge of US currency design. The reverse of the Roosevelt dime features the motto “E pluribus unum,” visually interrupted by symbolic branches. The word needed is UNUM. Detail-oriented clues appear in wsj crosswords.

24D You can get sucked into them online (and a hint to this puzzle’s theme)

Answer: RABBITHOLES
Explanation: This clue serves a dual purpose: defining the answer and explicitly identifying the puzzle’s theme. Online RABBITHOLES refer to the phenomenon of becoming deeply engrossed in navigating from one piece of related online content to another, often losing significant time. Recognizing theme revealer clues is vital in wsj crosswords.

25D Directs

Answer: STEERS
Explanation: Simple verb meaning. To guide the course or direction of something (like a boat, car, or project) is to STEER it.

26D “La _” (Ritchie Valens hit)

Answer: BAMBA
Explanation: Music history clue. “La BAMBA” is a traditional Mexican folk song famously adapted into a rock and roll hit by Ritchie Valens in 1958. Music trivia is common in wsj crosswords.

27D Beginner’s push-up routine, say

Answer: ONEREP
Explanation: Uses “say” to indicate an example. A very basic starting point for an exercise like push-ups might involve performing just a single repetition: ONEREP.

30D Blundered

Answer: ERRED
Explanation: Vocabulary. To have blundered or made a mistake is to have ERRED.

32D Mariachi singers’ toppers

Answer: SOMBREROS
Explanation: Asks for the iconic, wide-brimmed hats traditionally worn by mariachi musicians in Mexico: SOMBREROS. Cultural attire features in wsj crosswords.

35D Canal type

Answer: ROOT
Explanation: Refers to a specific type of canal relevant in dentistry. A ROOT canal procedure involves treating infection within the root of a tooth. Specialized terms can appear in wsj crosswords.

37D Skin-ny tent?

Answer: TEPEE
Explanation: Wordplay indicated by the hyphenation and question mark. A TEPEE is a conical tent traditionally made from animal skins stretched over poles. The clue puns on “skin” and “skinny.” Puns are a hallmark of many wsj crosswords.

41D Objective

Answer: AIM
Explanation: Vocabulary. A synonym for an objective, goal, or purpose is an AIM.

44D “Bad Guy” singer Billie

Answer: EILISH
Explanation: Contemporary pop culture clue. Billie EILISH is the globally famous singer known for hits like “Bad Guy.” Keeping up with current music helps with wsj crosswords.

46D Piano trio

Answer: PEDALS
Explanation: Refers to essential parts of a piano. Most pianos have a “trio” of foot-operated PEDALS that affect the sound (sustain, soft, sostenuto).

49D Cookout setting

Answer: PATIO
Explanation: Asks for a common location for outdoor grilling or barbecues. A PATIO, typically a paved area adjacent to a house, is a very popular cookout setting.

51D It might be rough or half-baked

Answer: IDEA
Explanation: Describes something in an early or incomplete stage. A rough IDEA or a half-baked IDEA is one that lacks full development or refinement.

53D Cabinet wood

Answer: PINE
Explanation: Asks for a type of wood commonly used in furniture making. PINE is a softwood frequently used for cabinets and other furniture, known for being relatively affordable. Materials knowledge is useful for wsj crosswords.

54D Skin pics

Answer: TATS
Explanation: Uses slang (“pics” for pictures). TATS is common slang for tattoos, which are pictures on the skin. Slang appears occasionally in wsj crosswords.

55D Clutter container

Answer: BIN
Explanation: Asks for a simple receptacle often used for storage or disposal of miscellaneous items or clutter: A BIN.

56D Thurman of “Dangerous Liaisons”

Answer: UMA
Explanation: Film trivia. UMA Thurman played a key role in the 1988 film “Dangerous Liaisons.” Actor recognition is tested in wsj crosswords.

57D Roll carried to yoga class

Answer: MAT
Explanation: Describes equipment used in yoga practice. Participants typically bring a rolled-up yoga MAT to class.

58D In the manner of

Answer: ALA
Explanation: Asks for a phrase, derived from French, meaning “in the style of” or “according to.” It’s “à la,” commonly represented as ALA in wsj crosswords.

59D Distinct philosophy

Answer: ISM
Explanation: Refers to a common suffix used to denote a particular doctrine, belief system, practice, or theory (e.g., realism, feminism, capitalism): -ISM.

Final Words

The April 16, 2025, Wall Street Journal crossword delivered an engaging puzzle, likely themed around the concept of “RABBITHOLES.” It tested a wide range of knowledge and demanded careful attention to wordplay, hallmarks of quality wsj crosswords. We sincerely hope this detailed breakdown, providing all the WSJ crossword answers for 4/16/25, proved helpful in your solving journey.

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