| ESSAYIST | Writer, for example, during pause, lacking an opening (8) |
| ANTSY | Itchy Y-fronts lacking an opening Y-shape |
| RAFT | Large amount in trade lacking an opening |
| TROPE | Figure of speech recalled statement lacking an opening (5) |
| CODENAME | Once made rum in Utah, for example, during the war (4,4) |
| INTERVAL | Perform live rant during pause (8) |
| THESAURI | Hear suit about writers' needs when lacking an alternative (8) |
| TONEDEAF | Lacking an ear for music (4,4) |
| LISTLESS | Bored, lacking an agenda? (8) |
| TAILLESS | Lacking an appendage common in animals eg like a Manx cat (8) |
| FOUNDERS | Authors came across verse lacking an introduction and ending (8) |
| NEUTRONS | What are particles lacking an electric charge? (8) |
| NONUNION | Lacking an org. such as SAG or UAW |
| CHINLESS | Lacking an outstanding feature? That's a wonder |
| GERMCELL | Room in Colditz lacking an early sign of life (4,4) |
| NOCHANCE | Lacking an opportunity to be successful, was in a no-win situation (2,6) |
| RAYS | Bring up skates, for example, during chat (4) |
| TELEGENIC | For example, during election broadcast, nothing standing out as worth watching |
| ALLEGRO | A jelly roll swallowed, for example, during a fast passage (7) |
| NEGATIVITY | Pessimism, for example, during Christmas scene |
