| 100% | ASK | 3 | Attempt to learn about a new subject |
| 47% | SPINCONTROL | 11 | Attempt to give a bias to news coverage |
| 47% | KNOWLEDGE | 9 | Information about a subject; what one learns |
| 46% | SEGUES | 6 | Switches to a new subject |
| 46% | BROACH | 6 | Begin to talk about a subject |
| 44% | SEGUE | 5 | Smooth transition to a new subject |
| 43% | JAILHOUSEROCK | 13 | *Musical film about a convict who learns to play the guitar in prison |
| 42% | INTEREST | 8 | Desire to know more about a subject |
| 42% | BEGINNER | 8 | To be new at learning something; a novice |
| 40% | YOURHONOR | 9 | Showtime drama about a judge trying to protect his son from mobsters in New Orleans: 2 wds. |
| 40% | COMPUTERPROGRAM | 15 | You might learn a new language to write one |
| 40% | PUDDNHEADWILSON | 15 | Mark Twain novel about a Northern lawyer who moves to the Deep South, featuring a New York college |
| 39% | STUDY | 5 | Learn about subject |
| 39% | THEUNICORN | 10 | New CBS sitcom about a widower trying to date again: 2 wds. |
| 39% | BIRDSANDBEES | 12 | Subject of "the talk" about sex … or a hint to the answers to the four starred clues |
| 39% | LANDOWNER | 9 | Magnate to learn about getting depressed |
| 39% | NUMERAL | 7 | Digit to learn about with hesitation |
| 39% | THEMATIC | 8 | About a specific subject |
| 38% | INTRO | 5 | Words about a new member, for short |
| 38% | STAB | 4 | Attempt to use a knife |
| 38% | INTEREST | 8 | The state of wanting to learn about something |
| 37% | ISITSAFE | 8 | Usual query about a new medication: 3 wds. |
| 37% | SCAM | 4 | Phone call about a new Medicare card, probably |
| 37% | GOWIDE | 6 | Attempt to get a mass audience |
| 37% | DIET | 4 | Attempt to lose a few pounds |
| 37% | COMBOVER | 8 | Attempt to hide a bald spot |
| 37% | FANLETTER | 9 | Attempt to reach a distant star |
| 37% | TAKESONTHECHAIN | 15 | Attempts to climb a mountain range? |
| 37% | HITSUP | 6 | Attempts to get a loan from |
| 37% | BLITZING | 8 | Attempting to hasten a pass, perhaps |