| 100% | GOD | 3 | What each set of circled letters is, relative to the first word in its answer |
| 52% | STATE | 5 | With 70-Across, what the first word of each long Across answer is vis-à-vis the bracketed place in its clue |
| 52% | JOHNGRISHAMNOVEL | 16 | What the first word of each of seven answers in this puzzle is, when preceded by “The” |
| 51% | CENTERPIECE | 11 | Pivotal element, and what each word in quotes in the starred clues literally is to its answer? |
| 49% | ALMOSTNEVER | 11 | Rarely ... or what each set of circled letters is? |
| 48% | PEASOUP | 7 | Thick fog metaphor ... and what each set of circled letters is? |
| 48% | MUSTACHE | 8 | What each set of circled letters in this grid represents |
| 47% | GOREVIDALNOVELS | 15 | What the first words of eight long answers in this puzzle are |
| 46% | ATOZ | 4 | The works ... or how each set of circled letters in this puzzle is arranged |
| 45% | PROTEINSHAKE | 12 | Post-workout nourishment, and a hint to what can be found in each set of circled letters |
| 44% | SHELTERINPLACE | 14 | Way to stay safe ... or what each set of circles represents vis-à-vis its answer |
| 44% | NUTSANDBOLTS | 12 | Essentials, or what the first words of the answers to the starred clues are |
| 44% | TROUBLEDWATERS | 14 | Difficult situation, or what can be found in each set of circled letters? |
| 43% | JUMP | 4 | Word that can precede each set of circled letters, forming a literal hint for entering certain answers in this puzzle |
| 43% | UNFINISHED | 10 | With 62-Across, matters left to settle, and what can be found in each set of circled letters? |
| 43% | CLOSEBUTNOCIGAR | 15 | "Not quite!," and what can be said about a letter string in the answer to each starred clue |
| 43% | DAY | 3 | What each set of circled letters spells |
| 43% | BACKCOUNTRY | 11 | Rural area ... or what can be found in each set of circled letters? |
| 43% | ONTHELINE | 9 | In jeopardy ... and where the first words of the answers to starred clues can be found |
| 43% | TWISTEDHUMOR | 12 | Element of irony, and what can be found in each set of circled letters? |
| 42% | MOUNTAINRANGE | 13 | What each set of circled letters spells ... and depicts |
| 42% | BACKBOARD | 9 | Hoop holder, and a hint to the first four letters of each asterisked answer |
| 42% | FLATFINISH | 10 | Paint choice ... and what the first word of the answers to starred clues can literally be |
| 42% | TRUCKDRIVER | 11 | What each of the answers to the starred clues once was |
| 42% | DRINK | 5 | What each of the four long answers in this puzzle is |
| 42% | ROLLTHEDICE | 11 | Take a chance, and how to form the sequence in each set of circled letters |
| 41% | MAKINGAFACE | 11 | Smirking, scowling, or smiling, and what the sets of circled letters in this puzzle are doing? |
| 41% | STEPMOM | 7 | Wicked relative of Cinderella ... or what each set of circled letters represents? |
| 41% | JOBTURNOVER | 11 | Human resources concern, and what each set of circled letters reveals |
| 41% | SYLLABLES | 9 | What the first word of the answer to each starred clue counts, with respect to the second word |