| 100% | BREEZE | 6 | Easy to accomplish or a short burst of wind |
| 64% | DRAFT | 5 | Essay first copy or a short burst of wind |
| 64% | PUFF | 4 | "Huff" counterpart or a short burst of wind |
| 63% | GUST | 4 | Sudden surge or a short burst of wind |
| 55% | FLUTTER | 7 | Flap around like a butterfly or a short burst of wind |
| 53% | BLAST | 5 | Explosion or a powerful but short burst of wind |
| 50% | SIGH | 4 | Short burst of wind often from a relieved person |
| 44% | GUST | 4 | Short burst of wind |
| 39% | GASPS | 5 | Inhales a short burst of air, while in a state of shock |
| 38% | JUSTADDWATER | 12 | Easy preparation instruction ... or a hint to the starts of 20-, 28- and 48-Across |
| 37% | TENDER | 6 | Easy to cut or chew, like a good steak |
| 37% | IDYL | 4 | A short pastoral piece, or poem of everyday life |
| 37% | TEASER | 6 | A short advertising promo or type of sports bet |
| 37% | PIECEOFCAKE | 11 | Easy-peasy ... or a hint to the start of 17-, 24-, 36- and 51-Across |
| 36% | BECALMED | 8 | Lack of wind causing a boat to remain still |
| 36% | OMEN | 4 | Foreboding or a sign of bad things to come |
| 36% | PROFILE | 7 | Short description of a person or company |
| 36% | INJURY | 6 | A wound or damage to the body |
| 36% | MEANDER | 7 | Winding bend of a river or stream |
| 35% | MADSCRAMBLE | 11 | Frantic rush, or a hint to each set of circles |
| 35% | EXCURSION | 9 | Short visit or trip to a tourist attraction |
| 35% | OEM | 3 | Short way of referring to a parts manufacturer |
| 35% | SEA | 3 | Home to Nemo or a type of salt |
| 35% | CRAKE | 5 | Shorter-billed relative of a coot or gallinule |
| 35% | KITTYCORNER | 11 | Diagonally ... or a hint to four of this puzzle's squares |
| 35% | NEWSPRINT | 9 | Forest product, or the result of a second wind |
| 35% | MORBID | 6 | Of or relating to a disease or its characteristics |
| 35% | EXCERPT | 7 | Short section from a film or piece of writing |
| 35% | OEM | 3 | Short way of referring to a computer parts maker |
| 35% | BANDAGE | 7 | A strip of cloth used to wrap a wound |