| 100% | MAGNA | 5 | With "cum" and 32-Down, a diploma phrase |
| 50% | YOYO | 4 | A toy with a string that rolls up and down |
| 49% | JOHN | 4 | With 32-Across, "SmackDown" superstar who's also a rapper and actor |
| 49% | YOYO | 4 | Toy with a spool that has its ups and downs |
| 48% | HUE | 3 | This and 32-Down are a big fuss |
| 48% | DENTAL | 6 | With 32-Down, a drugstore purchase |
| 48% | SAINT | 5 | With 79 Down, canonized Norwegian king and the namesake of a Minnesota college |
| 48% | YOYO | 4 | Toy with a string, goes down and comes back up: Hyph. |
| 48% | YOYOING | 7 | Playing with a toy that goes up and down on string |
| 48% | TWOTHINGSALWAYS | 15 | With 10- and 15-Down, a Fellini quote |
| 47% | RONCO | 5 | Brand with a trademark on the phrase "Set it and forget it" |
| 47% | FINDINGNEMO | 11 | 2003 animated film … with a hint to 17-, 32- and 41-Across |
| 46% | JUST | 4 | With "in" and 12-Down, as a precaution |
| 46% | ITS | 3 | With 45-Down, phrase accompanying a handshake |
| 46% | ROSE | 4 | With 32-Down, followed a career ladder |
| 45% | IPSO | 4 | With 6-Down, a logician's phrase |
| 45% | BED | 3 | "Love is not a ___ of roses," phrase that describes the ups and downs of love |
| 45% | CHATTYCATHY | 11 | Toy with 18 spoken phrases, including "I love you" and "May I have a cookie?" |
| 44% | KNICKKNACK | 10 | With 20-Down, phrase in a children's song |
| 44% | ASILIVE | 7 | With 33-Down and 51-Across, "What a surprise!" |
| 44% | AUNT | 4 | Woman with a 32-Down |
| 44% | POOL | 4 | With 32-Down, it's used in a rebound shot |
| 44% | IENJOYEDYOURBOOK | 16 | With 43- and 48-Across, a barb to 14-Down |
| 43% | HEAVY | 5 | With 2-Down, phrase applicable to both iron and Iron Maiden |
| 43% | TAKE | 4 | With "in" and 55-Down, use without proper respect, as a name |
| 43% | SOFTANIMAL | 10 | With 62-Across, oft-quoted phrase from Mary Oliver's "Wild Geese" ... and a hint to this puzzle's theme |
| 42% | GRAY | 4 | With 32-Down, ambiguity ... or a hint to this puzzle's theme |
| 42% | SQUARE | 6 | With 31-Down, hoedown activities, and a hint to the circled letters |
| 42% | SINKING | 7 | With 43-Down, uneasy anticipation ... and a hint to the circled letters |
| 42% | FOOD | 4 | With 10-Across and 16-Down, a light and fluffy dessert |