| 100% | ACCESSION | 9 | For Elizabeth II, ___ Day is February 6 and is observed with a 21-gun salute |
| 35% | YOULL | 5 | With 21 Across, 3 Down, 8 Down, and 20 Down, response to Ralphie's request for a BB gun in "A Christmas Story" |
| 34% | HAUL | 4 | (6/6) ... With 6d, the car will undergo a full repair and renovation. You can take it for a spin soon! |
| 32% | PUN | 3 | Comment about a miserable, rainy and overcast day: "There is gloom for improvement!", for example |
| 31% | DINGHY | 6 | Open boat with a mast and sails that can be used for racing |
| 31% | GABBYGIFFORDS | 13 | Gun control advocate and former congresswoman for whom a naval ship is named |
| 30% | SMILE | 5 | "Die with a ___," song by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars that is nominated for 2 Grammys |
| 30% | MIB | 3 | Movie with a handheld memory zapper wielded by Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, for short |
| 30% | BUN | 3 | Hot dog bread type that may be stuffed with meat, veggies, and more for a baozi |
| 30% | JAMES | 5 | With 34-Across, Ronald Reagan press secretary for whom a gun bill is named |
| 30% | TONY | 4 | With 32-Across, undrafted quarterback who played 14 seasons for the Dallas Cowboys and is currently a CBS commentator |
| 30% | MACAW | 5 | "I'm a loud, colorful bird with a long lifespan, and I mate for life. Who am I?" |
| 29% | FREELANSING | 11 | "Writers and photographers will find Michigan a great place for ___!" |
| 29% | SPLITLEVEL | 10 | Home with a between-floors entrance ... and what can be found on puzzle rows 3, 6, 8 and 10? |
| 29% | IVORY | 5 | James —, Best Director Oscar nominee for Howards End, A Room with a View and The Remains of the Day |
| 29% | GRACE | 5 | ___ Elizabeth, American model who has been a Victoria's Secret angel and face for Estee Lauder |
| 29% | SOLSTICE | 8 | *Winter ___, annual cosmic event when the day is shortest...and a connecting theme for 31a, 39a, 42a, 8d, and 20d |
| 29% | EAR | 3 | "I'm an organ with a canal and a drum, and I may be lent for a vent. Who am I?" |
| 28% | TONIC | 5 | Gin and ___ (cocktail garnished with a lime slice) |
| 28% | ULTA | 4 | Retailer with a 21 Days of Beauty event |
| 28% | PINE | 4 | Softwood from a tree with cones and needles, that may be used for making cabinets and frames |
| 28% | ALLABOUTEVE | 11 | Film that is tied with "Titanic" and "La La Land" for the most Oscar nominations for a single film (14) (3 wds.) |
| 28% | RECIPE | 6 | With 58-Across, conditions likely to lead to catastrophe, or what 16-, 21-, 26-, and 45-Across are ingredients for? |
| 28% | ALARM | 5 | One might be set for 6 a.m. (oof!) |
| 28% | MAPLE | 5 | Tree that is known for its fall foliage and as a source of a syrup enjoyed with pancakes |
| 28% | BETTY | 5 | A nickname for Elizabeth; rhymes with getty |
| 28% | THEBEACHBOYS | 12 | American rock band formed in 1961 with a popular debut single "Surfin" and are famous for their song "Sail on Sailor": 3 wds. |
| 28% | TATS | 4 | Skin designs that are applied with a needle, for short |
| 28% | TAT | 3 | Art that might be removed with a laser, for short |
| 28% | FORMAL | 6 | A __ dinner, where dress and decorum are observed |