The New York Times crossword puzzle is a daily ritual for millions of word enthusiasts. Known for its clever clues, evolving difficulty throughout the week, and cultural relevance, the NYT crossword has become a benchmark for quality in the puzzling world. However, not every puzzle is universally loved—some can feel cloying.
But what does “cloying” mean in the context of the NYT crossword? And why do some solvers find certain puzzles excessively sweet, overly cute, or even irritating? In this deep dive, we’ll explore:
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The definition of “cloying” and how it applies to crosswords
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Common traits of cloying NYT crossword puzzles
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Why some constructors and editors lean into this style
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How solvers react—love it or hate it?
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Tips for solving (or enduring) a cloying puzzle
What Does “Cloying” Mean in Crosswords?
The word cloying typically describes something so sweet or sentimental that it becomes overwhelming or unpleasant. Think of a dessert that’s too sugary or an overly saccharine movie—it’s enjoyable at first, but quickly becomes tiresome.
In crossword terms, a cloying puzzle might feature:
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Excessive cuteness – Overuse of puns, wordplay, or themes that feel forced
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Overly repetitive tropes – Reliance on the same gimmicks (e.g., too many pop culture references or abbreviations)
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Forced whimsy – Themes that seem clever at first but wear out their welcome
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Obscure or niche fill – Overloading the grid with crosswordese or outdated references
A cloying puzzle isn’t necessarily bad—some solvers adore playful, pun-heavy themes—but it can polarize audiences.
Common Traits of a Cloying NYT Crossword
1. Overly Punny Themes
Puns are a staple of crossword construction, but when a puzzle leans too heavily on them, it can feel like a dad joke marathon. For example:
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“Horse of a Different Color?” → “MARE-IGOLD” (Marigold)
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“Shell company?” → “SEA-SHELL CORP”
A few puns can be delightful; too many can make the puzzle feel gimmicky.
2. Excessive Pop Culture References
While modern crosswords include more contemporary references, some puzzles overdo it with niche TV shows, TikTok trends, or obscure celebrity names. If a solver isn’t plugged into that world, the puzzle can feel alienating rather than fun.
3. Cutesy Wordplay Over Substance
Some puzzles prioritize “aha!” moments over smooth solving flow. For example:
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Rebus puzzles where squares contain multiple letters in a way that feels forced
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Themes that are clever once but don’t hold up on a second read
4. Overused Crossword Tropes
Certain words and phrases appear frequently in grids (e.g., ERIE, OREO, ESNE, ALOE). When a puzzle relies too much on these, it can feel stale rather than fresh.
Why Do Some Puzzles Feel Cloying?
Constructor Style
Some crossword creators have a signature approach—Will Shortz himself enjoys playful themes, while others like Elizabeth Gorski or Brendan Emmett Quigley bring different flavors. A constructor who loves puns may produce puzzles that some find cloying but others adore.
Editorial Choices
The NYT crossword editors (primarily Will Shortz) have a particular taste. They sometimes favor novelty over elegance, leading to puzzles that dazzle at first glance but don’t always hold up under scrutiny.
Audience Expectations
Casual solvers might enjoy a light, pun-filled puzzle, while hardcore cruciverbalists prefer challenging, themeless grids. A puzzle that tries too hard to be “fun” can miss the mark for seasoned solvers.
Do Solvers Love or Hate Cloying Puzzles?
Reactions are mixed:
The Fans
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Enjoy the humor and creativity
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Like the break from serious, hard-hitting puzzles
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Appreciate the accessibility (easier to solve)
The Critics
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Find the wordplay tiresome after a while
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Prefer more sophisticated or themeless challenges
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Feel that cloying puzzles lack depth
Online crossword communities (like r/crossword or Crossword Fiend) often debate whether a puzzle was “fun” or “too cutesy.”
How to Solve (or Survive) a Cloying Puzzle
If you find yourself groaning at an overly sweet NYT crossword, here’s how to power through:
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Embrace the Silliness – If it’s pun-heavy, lean into the humor.
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Skip and Come Back – If a clue feels too gimmicky, move on and return later.
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Learn the Tricks – Many cloying puzzles rely on repeating tropes—recognizing them helps.
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Adjust Expectations – Not every puzzle will be to your taste, and that’s okay.
Final Thoughts: Is Cloying Always Bad?
Not necessarily. The NYT crossword serves a broad audience, and what feels cloying to one solver might be delightful to another. The key is balance—some days, a light, playful puzzle is just what you need, while other days demand a meatier challenge.
Do you love or loathe cloying crosswords? Let us know in the comments!
