| 100% | CHUM | 4 | Friend found in 26-Across |
| 75% | MATE | 4 | Friend found in 42-Across |
| 75% | PAL | 3 | Friend found in 58-Across |
| 75% | BUD | 3 | Friend found in 17-Across |
| 72% | ODIN | 4 | Norse god found in 26-Across |
| 66% | NACHO | 5 | Chip dipped in 26 Across |
| 59% | GIFTRETURNS | 11 | Post-Christmas take-backs, as found in 17-, 26- and 41-Across |
| 57% | POLICE | 6 | They can be found in 20- and 55-Across and 10- and 26-Down |
| 57% | RUNNINGGAG | 10 | Joke used repeatedly ... and aptly found in 19-, 26-, 38-, 46- and 54-Across |
| 57% | GETTOGETHER | 11 | Informal meeting, and what can be found in 17-, 26-, 38-, and 51-Across? |
| 56% | SALT | 4 | Theme of this puzzle, found in the answers to 21-, 26-, 44- and 52-Across |
| 56% | HIDDENGEMS | 10 | Relatively unknown quality items ... and what can be found in 16-, 26- and 42-Across |
| 55% | STOPALONGTHEWAY | 15 | Break during a road trip, and what can be found in 17-, 26-, and 46-Across |
| 54% | TOM | 3 | Turkey found in the four longest Across answers |
| 54% | TOE | 3 | Stocking stuffer found in the long Across answers |
| 53% | YAM | 3 | Thanksgiving side dish found in the longest Across answers |
| 53% | SKI | 3 | Downhill runner found in the four longest Across answers |
| 53% | OSCAR | 5 | Golden boy found in the four long Across answers |
| 53% | FARMFEMALES | 11 | They can be found in six long Across answers |
| 53% | POLL | 4 | Voting process found in the four longest Across answers |
| 53% | CRATE | 5 | Boxing container found in the four longest Across answers |
| 53% | TALC | 4 | Soft rock found in the eight longest Across answers |
| 53% | ITSOKWITHME | 11 | "Sure, go ahead" ... and a literal hint to what's found in 17-, 26-, 38- and 53-Across |
| 53% | ARTOODETOO | 10 | "Star Wars" droid ... or a phonetic hint to what's found in 17-, 26-, 41- and 52-Across |
| 53% | GENETICIST | 10 | One specializing in 26-Across |
| 52% | ETTU | 4 | Words of disbelief found in the four longest Across entries |
| 52% | CONS | 4 | Disadvantages found in this puzzle's three longest Across answers ... |
| 51% | OUI | 3 | “Yes” in 26-Across |
| 51% | BAT | 3 | Fly-by-night creature found in the four longest Across answers |
| 51% | REGALLY | 7 | Chap finds friend in a majestic way |