NY Times Crossword Logo

NYT Crossword Answers: Get Hints and Solve All Clues

Across

  • The answer is EVA because Eva Green is a French actress who starred as Vesper Lynd in the 2006 James Bond film "Casino Royale." The clue directly refers to her by name and her notable role in the movie.

  • The clue "Play ground?" with a question mark indicates wordplay. A "play" is performed on a "stage," which is its "ground" or setting. The pun combines the theatrical "play" and the concept of a "ground" where it occurs, making STAGE the perfect fit.

  • The answer "POD" fits because okra grows in pod-like structures, and the edible portion is the entire pod, including the seeds inside. This aligns with the clue's straightforward reference to the plant's anatomy. It’s not wordplay or metaphor but a direct description of the edible part.

  • The answer "WIDE" fits because it can logically precede or follow "open" to form common expressions: "open wide" (as in opening one's mouth fully) and "wide open" (meaning fully open or unrestricted). This dual placement matches the clue’s phrasing perfectly.

  • The clue "Weeping" giant refers to the weeping willow, a type of large tree known for its drooping branches, which resemble tears. The phrase "Weeping" hints at this distinctive characteristic, and "giant" indicates its notable size, making WILLOW the correct answer.

  • The phrase "tick off" means to annoy or irritate someone, which aligns closely with the meaning of "peeve"—something that causes irritation or annoyance. Thus, "peeve" is the correct solution. This clue plays on their synonymous definitions in the context of aggravation.

  • ADHD is the solution because Simone Biles has openly discussed having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and how it enhances her focus and energy, especially in gymnastics. Describing it as a "superpower" reflects her positive perspective on managing the condition and using it to her advantage.

  • The clue "Ticked off" means angry or upset, which matches the definition of IRATE. IRATE is commonly used to describe someone who is enraged or furious, fitting the emotional state conveyed by "Ticked off." The straightforward phrasing makes this a literal clue.

  • The answer "OWEN" refers to Owen Wister, an American author widely regarded as the "father of western fiction." He is best known for his novel The Virginian (1902), considered the first major Western novel, which set the standard for the genre.

  • The answer is NEON because many "On Air" signs use neon lighting to create their bright, eye-catching glow. Neon is a noble gas often used in illuminated signs due to its vivid color and visibility, making it a fitting descriptor for such signs.

  • The clue "They draw people" uses wordplay. "Draw" suggests attraction, and MECCAS refers to places of great appeal or pilgrimage, attracting large groups of people. The term originates from Mecca, a holy city that draws Muslim pilgrims, but is also used metaphorically for popular destinations.

  • The word "Guarded" suggests being cautious or suspicious. "LEERY" means wary or suspicious, aligning with the idea of being guarded or uncertain about something. Therefore, "LEERY" is a direct synonym for the clue, making it the correct solution.

  • OCCAM refers to William of Ockham, a 14th-century philosopher known for "Occam's Razor," the principle of parsimony. It states that the simplest explanation, avoiding unnecessary assumptions, is usually the best. Hence, OCCAM is the correct answer for this clue.

  • The clue "Pick up" can mean to obtain or acquire something, which aligns with the definition of "GET." For example, you "get" (or pick up) groceries. It also works colloquially as "understand" or "catch," enhancing its versatility as a solution.

  • The clue “___ white (lightbulb specification)” refers to a common descriptor for bulb light quality. "Soft white" describes a warm, yellowish light, often used in residential settings. It's a standard industry term for lightbulbs, making SOFT the fitting solution to complete the phrase.

  • In the Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln begins with "Four score and seven years ago." The sixth word is "ago," which follows "Four score and seven years," marking the passage of time. Thus, "AGO" is the correct answer for the clue.

  • The term "CLASSACT" is a phrase used to describe someone or something that exemplifies excellence, sophistication, or high standards. It aligns with the clue's meaning of an "exemplar of excellence," highlighting someone admirable and outstanding in character or performance.

  • The clue "Cries of wonder" describes sounds people make when they are amazed or in awe. "OOHS" represents these expressions, as it is a sound of surprise or admiration. Pluralizing it fits the phrase "cries," indicating multiple instances of such reactions.

  • The answer is HAMM because it refers to Mia Hamm, one of the most iconic U.S. soccer players. She was named U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year five consecutive times (1994–1998) due to her incredible skill and contributions to the sport, solidifying her legendary status.

  • The phrase "soups up" is slang for enhancing or modifying something to improve its performance, particularly an engine. "Adds power to" refers to boosting an engine’s capabilities, and "soups up" fits perfectly as the colloquial expression for this action.

  • The answer "TRU" is a shortened, informal version of Truman Capote's first name, as he was often affectionately called "Tru" by his close friends. Several famous figures, including Capote himself, mentioned this nickname in personal anecdotes and writings.

  • The clue "Correspondants, fréquemment" is in French, signaling the answer is in French too. "Correspondants" translates to "correspondents" or "pen pals," who are frequently friends ("amis" in French). Thus, "AMIS" fits as a concise French answer meaning "friends."

  • The answer "AGATE" fits because agate is a semi-precious gemstone that was widely used in ancient Greek jewelry due to its beauty and durability. It was often carved into intricate designs or used in beads and amulets, making it a popular decorative stone in that era.

  • The OBOE is often considered the "orchestra tuner" because it provides the pitch (usually an "A" note) that all other instruments tune to before a performance. This is due to its stable pitch and penetrating sound, making it ideal for setting the standard tone.

  • The clue "Mini-brawl" refers to a minor or brief fight or scuffle. "SET-TO" is a word that means a small or short conflict, aligning perfectly with the idea of a "mini-brawl." It’s often used to describe minor disagreements or tussles.

  • The phrase "Owned (up)" refers to admitting or confessing something. "Fessed" is short for "confessed," which perfectly matches the clue. The "(up)" indicates the common phrase "fessed up," further confirming the solution.

  • The answer is LAWS because the quote by Otto von Bismarck compares making laws to making sausages: both are complex and potentially unpleasant processes that are better left unseen. This highlights the messy, behind-the-scenes nature of legislative affairs, much like how sausages are manufactured.

  • The clue "Visionaries" refers to individuals who possess foresight or the ability to predict events, often in a mystical or insightful way. "SEERS" is the correct answer as it directly describes such people—those believed to have the power to foresee the future.

  • The clue "Dining places" refers to areas where people gather to eat. "HALLS" fits as it often describes large spaces such as dining halls in schools, universities, or event venues specifically designated for meals and communal dining. This matches the plural form "places" in the clue.

  • The clue "Some hot spots" signals wordplay. Here, "hot" refers to warmth, and "spots" to locations. TUBS, like hot tubs, are literal spots filled with hot water where people relax, fitting the playful tone of the clue.

  • The clue "Phys. or chem." is asking for a shorthand way to refer to "Physics" or "Chemistry," both of which are academic subjects. "SUBJ." is an abbreviation for "subject," fitting the clue's context of academic disciplines. The abbreviation matches the abbreviated style of the clue.

  • In basketball, a "quadruple-double" is a major feat where a player achieves double digits in four statistical categories. For the puzzle, entries for 3-, 6-, and 9-Down share this feature: each has a repeated pair of letters (rebuses), reflecting the "double" part of the answer.

  • ULTA is the solution because it is a major beauty retailer in direct competition with Sephora. Both stores sell cosmetics, skincare, and beauty products, making ULTA a natural "competitor" to Sephora in the beauty industry. This straightforward clue directly references their shared market space.

  • The clue "Handle, as questions" uses a bit of wordplay. FIELD refers to "fielding" questions, a common phrase meaning to handle or respond to inquiries, often in a rapid or skilled manner. Think of how a baseball player handles a ball in the field—quick and effective.

  • The phrase "Hold your horses!" is an idiom meaning "be patient" or "pause." The answer, WAIT, directly aligns with this meaning, as telling someone to wait is another way of asking them to hold on or be patient. The exclamation mark hints at the playful tone.

  • The answer "INOT" comes from the informal phrase "I nudge out the tie," where "INOT" phonetically mimics "I not" as a casual way of expressing breaking or resolving a tie. It's a playful wordplay reflecting how informally someone might describe such an action.

  • The clue "Article about a photo?" is a play on words. An "article" could refer to a physical frame, and a "photo" is typically placed within a frame for display. Additionally, "frame" can metaphorically mean providing a context or "article" for a photo. Thus, the answer is FRAME.

  • The clue "Rainbow, to some" suggests a symbolic interpretation. To some, a rainbow can signify a sign or a portent, often linked to hope, change, or divine messages. The word "OMEN" captures this idea, as it refers to something seen as a sign of future events.

  • The NATO alphabet assigns code words to letters for clear communication. For the letter "P," the corresponding word is "PAPA." This system avoids confusion in spoken communication, particularly in noisy environments. The clue directly references this established alphabet, making "PAPA" the correct answer.

  • The Titanic disaster in 1912 highlighted the dangers of underwater obstacles, leading to innovations in detecting objects submerged in water. SONAR (Sound Navigation and Ranging) was developed as a system to use sound waves to locate and identify objects underwater, helping to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

  • NASA is the solution because it developed the bright orange "pumpkin suit," officially called the Advanced Crew Escape Suit (ACES). This safety suit is worn by astronauts during launch and re-entry. The "pumpkin" nickname refers to its vibrant color for high visibility during emergencies.

Down

  • The answer is EWAN because Ewan McGregor is the actor who portrayed Obi-Wan Kenobi in the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy. The clue directly references his role, making EWAN the straightforward solution.

  • Blizzard Entertainment is a well-known video game company responsible for creating popular titles like World of Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo. The term "Output" in the clue refers to the products they produce, which are video games. Hence, the answer is VIDEOGAMES.

  • The clue "Temporarily established panel" describes a group formed for a specific, short-term purpose. "Ad hoc" means created for a particular purpose, and "committee" refers to a group or panel. Together, "AD HOC COMMITTEE" perfectly defines this temporary group formed to address specific tasks or issues.

  • The phrase "Do laps, say" refers to an activity commonly associated with moving back and forth in a pool. The word "say" suggests this could describe a general action. Swimming involves doing laps in a pool, making "SWIM" the fitting solution.

  • The clue "Low pressure indicator" refers to a device that measures air pressure. A tire gauge is specifically used to check the air pressure in tires, which can often be "low" and needs monitoring. Hence, TIREGAUGE fits perfectly as it directly indicates pressure levels.

  • The clue "You can go anywhere with one of these" implies something that provides unrestricted entry or access. An "ALL-ACCESS PASS" grants permission to enter all areas, venues, or events, fitting the context perfectly. The wordplay emphasizes the freedom and lack of limitations provided by this pass.

  • The answer "GOTATASTE" fits because the phrase "got a taste of" means to briefly experience something. The clue uses "briefly experienced" as a direct definition, and "with 'of'" signals the phrase's construction. This idiom captures the essence of sampling or trying something momentarily.

  • The clue "She-eep" includes wordplay, hinted by the hyphen, combining "she" (female) and "ewe" (a female sheep). Pluralizing "ewe" gives the answer "EWES," which refers to multiple female sheep. The pun emphasizes the connection between "she" and "ewe" for this clever solution.

  • The clue "Gridiron game for young tykes" refers to a variation of football designed for children, often played on a smaller scale. "Peewee" indicates small size or young age, and "football" corresponds to the gridiron game. Together, "PEEWEEFOOTBALL" perfectly describes this sport for young kids.

  • The answer "OVERTHROWS" fits because in football, an overthrow occurs when a quarterback throws the ball beyond the reach of the receiver. This increases the risk of an interception by the opposing team, tying into the clue's suggestion of a risky play.

  • The clue "Just say 'no' to" directly points to the meaning of the answer. "Deny" means to refuse or reject something, effectively "saying no" to it. The phrasing matches perfectly with the answer, making "Deny" the suitable solution for the clue.

  • The answer is EDNA because Edna Ferber was a celebrated American author who won the Pulitzer Prize for her 1924 novel So Big. She is widely recognized in literature and crossword clues often refer to her by her first name, EDNA, as shorthand for this renowned writer.

  • The clue uses a pun: "pony up" can mean to pay, but here it also refers to ponies (small horses) used in the sport of polo. To "play" polo, you literally need ponies, making POLO the perfect solution.

  • The clue "Oscars V.I.P.s" points to MCs because Masters of Ceremonies (MCs) are key figures at the Oscars. They host the event, introducing segments, presenting awards, and entertaining the audience, making them true "V.I.P.s" of the ceremony.

  • STP is a well-known motor oil and automotive products brand. The clue "Motor oil brand" directly references it. Founded in 1953, STP is recognized for its engine oil additives and treatments, with its logo prominently featured in motorsports and car maintenance contexts.

  • The clue "Epiphanic moments" refers to sudden realizations or flashes of understanding. The answer, AHAS, represents the exclamation people often make when having an "aha moment," symbolizing the realization or epiphany. It aligns well with the concept of sudden insight described by the clue.

  • The clue “Have one's feet up, maybe” suggests relaxation or idleness, as signaled by "maybe," implying wordplay. "Loaf" perfectly fits, as it means to lounge or be lazy—activities often involving putting one’s feet up. The relaxed posture metaphorically aligns with the term "loafing."

  • The clue "Told 'You're on!,' for example" hints at giving a signal or prompt, as indicated by the quotes. "Cued" fits because it describes signaling someone to act or begin, like in a performance or event, aligning with the idea of being prompted to go "on."

  • The clue "Brings an action against" refers to initiating legal proceedings against someone. To "sue" someone means to file a lawsuit or take legal action in court. The plural form, SUES, aligns with the clue's phrasing and context, making it the correct answer.

  • The answer is "SORTDATA" because it directly describes an Excel function used to arrange or organize data in a specific order, often ascending or descending. This aligns perfectly with the clue "Excel function," as sorting data is a fundamental task performed in Excel spreadsheets.

  • The answer is OLAJUWON because Hakeem Olajuwon is a Hall of Fame N.B.A. player who famously completed a "50-Across" (quadruple-double: double digits in points, rebounds, assists, and blocks) in 1990. He is one of only four players in league history to achieve this rare feat, cementing his greatness.

  • The clue "Big thing in California?" with a question mark suggests wordplay. "Big Sur" is a famous, scenic coastal region in California known for its dramatic landscapes. The wordplay hinges on interpreting "big" literally and "Sur" (as part of "Big Sur") as the answer, fitting the theme cleverly.

  • The clue "___ Max" refers to HBO Max, the streaming service from HBO. The blank is completed with "HBO," as HBO Max is the well-known platform's official name, making it the perfectly fitting answer.

  • The clue "Fans" can refer to enthusiasts or admirers of something. "BUFFS" is a term often used to describe people who are deeply passionate or knowledgeable about a particular subject, like movie buffs or history buffs, making it a fitting synonym for "Fans."

  • The answer is SPIRO because Spiro Agnew served as vice president under Richard Nixon from 1969 to 1973. He famously resigned in 1973 amid a bribery and tax evasion scandal, making him a notable historical figure. The blank in the clue prompts his first name.

  • The clue, "City that's an anagram of SALEM," directly indicates that the city's name can be formed by rearranging the letters of "SALEM." When rearranged, the letters spell "SELMA." Selma is a well-known city in Alabama, making it the correct answer.

  • The clue "Farmer's squeeze?" includes a pun. Farmers literally "squeeze" an udder to extract milk from cows. This play on words links "squeeze" to the physical action involving an "udder," making UDDER the fitting answer.

  • The clue "Pithy remark" points to something short, clever, and witty. A "QUIP" is a brief, humorous comment, often with a sharp or clever twist, perfectly matching the definition of a pithy remark. The concise nature of the word aligns with the clue's brevity.

  • The fibula is one of the two bones in the lower leg, alongside the tibia. Similarly, the ulna is one of the two bones in the forearm, alongside the radius. Thus, the relationship parallels the structure of the leg and arm bones, making ULNA the correct answer.

  • The clue "Crowning" suggests something positioned at the very top, as a crown sits on top of a head. "ATOP" means "on top of," aptly describing the act or position of crowning. It directly aligns with the clue's imagery of something elevated or topping off.

  • The answer "LEAN" works for the clue "Cut and trim" because "lean" refers to something without excess or unnecessary parts, like trimmed meat or a streamlined process. Both "cut" and "trim" suggest removing excess, aligning with the meaning of "lean."

  • Tuscaloosa is home to the University of Alabama, whose sports teams are nicknamed the "Crimson Tide." Fans often affectionately refer to the university as "Bama," a shortened form of Alabama. Therefore, "Tuscaloosa's Tide, to fans" aptly leads to the answer BAMA.

  • The answer "LIES" fits because the clue plays on phrases describing types of lies. "White lies" are harmless or trivial falsehoods, while "naked lies" are blatant or undisguised falsehoods. The wordplay ties these two common expressions together for the solution.

  • The clue includes a question mark, indicating wordplay. "High point" refers to something elevated, and Mount Etna is a famous, towering volcano in Italy (a literal "high point"). It's a notable destination for visitors, making ETNA the fitting answer.

Today’s Game Difficulty

2 / 5
Easy

Rate Your Difficulty

Rate This Solver

View Yesterday's Puzzle

Need help with today's NYT Crossword? Reveal letters one by one, solve the entire puzzle, or click a clue to find its answer.

No matter how you solve it, this tool offers just the right help to unblock or finish the NYT Crossword!

NYT The Crossword Archive

Today’s NYT The Crossword Highlights

This Thursday puzzle by Daniel Bodily is a standout example of rebus ingenuity. The theme centers on a rare QUADRUPLE DOUBLE, a basketball feat where a player logs double digits in four stats. Mirroring that, each of the three long Down entries contains four rebus squares, each with double letters (e.g. CC, MM, EE, TT in ADHOCCOMMITTEE). It’s a dazzling construction challenge: symmetrical, consistent, and creatively clued. Solvers had to pick up on the double letters, making for a tricky but rewarding solve. The revealer ties it together perfectly, and the puzzle’s cleverness only grows in retrospect. A slam dunk theme.

Today's Tricky Wordplay

Here's what caught our attention today:

NYT Crossword - All You Need To Know

You can enjoy the New York Times Crossword puzzle in various formats:

  • Online: Visit nytimes.com/games.
  • Mobile Apps: Available in The New York Times Games app (iOS and Android) and the Play tab of the New York Times News app.
  • Print: Access the daily Crossword by subscribing to Home Delivery or purchasing a copy of The New York Times newspaper at your local newsstand.

NYT Crossword Themes and Titles

The difficulty of the NYT Crossword evolves throughout the week, and a big part of that progression comes from its use of themes and titles.

Themes

  • Monday to Wednesday: These puzzles almost always have a theme, with several long answers connected by a common thread. Many include a “revealer” clue—a final answer that explains the theme’s pattern.
  • Thursday: Still themed, but often with an added twist. Expect trickier mechanics like rebus squares (where multiple letters fit in one box) or unconventional entry rules.
  • Friday & Saturday: These puzzles are themeless, relying instead on clever wordplay and more challenging vocabulary. Without a theme as a guide, the difficulty increases.
  • Sunday: The largest puzzle of the week is always themed, and its title offers a hint about the underlying concept.

Titles

  • Sunday puzzles always have a title that helps solvers identify the theme.
  • Monday through Saturday puzzles generally don’t have official titles.

While these patterns hold most of the time, creativity and playfulness are at the heart of crossword construction—so expect occasional surprises!

NYT Crossword Puzzle Availability

Online and All Access Subscribers: Daily puzzles are available the evening before their print release.

  • Weekday and Saturday Puzzles: Available at 10 p.m. EST the previous day.
  • Sunday Puzzles: Available at 6 p.m. EST on Saturday.

Notifications: Enable push notifications in the Games app settings to receive alerts when new puzzles are available.

How To Play

Fill the white squares with letters to form words or phrases that cross each other by solving clues in the Across and Down columns. The puzzles increase in difficulty from Monday to Saturday, with the Sunday puzzle being similar in difficulty to Wednesday or Thursday but larger in size.

Completion and Feedback

Successful Completion: A congratulatory message and music play when the puzzle is correctly solved. If no message appears, there might be an error in the filled squares.

Stars for Completion

  • Gold Stars: Awarded for puzzles solved consecutively before midnight EST without using Check or Reveal.
  • Blue Stars: Given for puzzles solved after midnight EST, with a skipped day, or using Check or Reveal.

Keyboard Shortcuts

For computer users, the following shortcuts can enhance gameplay:

  • Arrow Keys: Navigate in the puzzle.
  • Spacebar: Clear the current square and advance, toggle between Across and Down.
  • Backspace/Delete: Remove a letter or word.
  • Tab: Jump to the next clue.
  • Shift + Tab: Jump to the previous clue.
  • Escape: Enter Rebus mode.

App Customization Options

  • Cursor Movement: Customize cursor settings in the Puzzle Settings menu. Options include skipping filled squares, jumping to the first blank, or the next clue.
  • Secondary Keyboard: For symbols and numbers, switch by selecting the More button.
  • Adjust Puzzle Size: Zoom in with a pinch gesture or toggle Clue View.

Modes

Alternate between black (pen) and gray (pencil) letters.

Letter Colors

  • Black: Default pen mode.
  • Gray: Pencil mode.
  • Blue: Letters confirmed with Check.

Timer and Special Elements

  • Timer: Track your solving time. Pause and resume as needed, or hide the timer in the settings.
  • Rebus Elements: Enter letters, numbers, or symbols in a single square as part of the puzzle’s challenge or hint.

NYT Crossword Help

The New York Times provides various resources to aid in solving puzzles and improving solving skills.

In-Game Help

  • Information Icon ("i"): Flashing icon indicates available puzzle hint.
  • Lifesaver Icon: Offers options to check or reveal a square, an answer, or the entire puzzle.
  • Clear: Resets the entire puzzle.
  • Reveal: Displays correct letters for selected square, answer, or entire puzzle.
  • Check: Validates a square, word, or the entire puzzle; Autocheck option available.
  • Note: Using Reveal or Check resets the Crossword Streak.

Lady Puzzle Pro Help

Besides this page, meant to help you unblock or finish a puzzle we published a comprehensive guide on how to read the NYT Crossword Clues, which includes mini hints to assist you with both the NYT crosswords and the NYT Mini puzzle solving.

More Features

  • Statistics: Track Progress: View puzzle stats.
  • Settings: adjust settings for a personalized experience.
  • Access Archives: Download and play past puzzles offline for continued enjoyment and practice.

Today's NYT Puzzle Guides by LadyPuzzle Pro

Daily Challenges Beyond NYT Games