A themeless puzzle in crosswords is a type of crossword puzzle that does not have a specific theme or central idea tying the answers together. Instead, the focus is on creating a grid with interesting and challenging long entries, often with clever clues. These puzzles typically have more open space, allowing for longer words and phrases, and can be more difficult to construct and solve compared to themed puzzles.
Triple-stacked entries in a crossword refer to three long answers that are placed on top of each other, spanning most of the grid's width. This arrangement is challenging for constructors but offers lively and engaging puzzle-solving experiences. In Billy Bratton's crossword, these exciting entries are found in all four quadrants, making it enjoyable for solvers.
The 8D entry in the New York Times Crossword is special because it is a fairly common phrase making its debut in the puzzle. The clue for the entry is highlighted with a red siren emoji on each side, drawing attention to its significance. This addition brings a fresh and enjoyable aspect to the crossword experience.