NY Times Crossword Logo

NYT Crossword Answers: Get Hints and Solve All Clues

12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940414243444546474849505152535455565758

Across

  • The clue "Coaster, usually" uses wordplay. A "coaster" can refer to something that holds a drink, commonly shaped like a disc. Additionally, a "disc" can also describe something that coasts or glides, like a frisbee. Hence, "DISC" fits this dual meaning.

  • The answer "BNAI" refers to "B'nai" as in "B'nai B'rith," a Jewish service organization. Many Jewish temples or synagogues incorporate "B'nai" (meaning "children of" in Hebrew) in their names, such as "B'nai Israel" or "B'nai Jacob," making it a common temple name prefix.

  • DEET is the solution because it is a common active ingredient found in many insect repellents. Known chemically as N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide, DEET is specifically designed to repel biting insects like mosquitoes and ticks, making it a key "bug spray ingredient" to prevent bites effectively.

  • The answer "LUNAR" fits because it describes something related to the moon. A "kind of rover" refers to exploration vehicles like the Lunar Rover, which was specifically designed for navigating the moon's surface during Apollo missions. The term "lunar" directly ties to the moon.

  • The answer "BELLCURVE" fits because a bell curve is a graphical figure in statistics with two "tails" on either side of its central peak. These tails represent the extreme values (lower and upper ends) in a dataset, aligning with the clue’s reference to "two tails."

  • The term "Habitation" refers to a place where someone resides or lives. "ABODE" is a synonym for a home, dwelling, or residence, making it a fitting answer. Both words convey the idea of a living space, aligning them perfectly in meaning.

  • The question mark signals wordplay. A "queen" can hint at a bee, specifically a queen bee. A "guard" for the queen bee could be a "killer bee," known for its aggressive nature. Hence, KILLERBEE is a clever pun combining both elements.

  • The name "MANDARIN" contains four consecutive U.S. state postal abbreviations: MA (Massachusetts), ND (North Dakota), AR (Arkansas), and IN (Indiana). This clever wordplay matches the clue's requirement, while MANDARIN is indeed a language.

  • “Genre for 5-Down” points to the music style of BB KING, who’s a seminal blues guitarist and singer. So the answer BLUES fits: the clue names the genre of the artist at 5-Down (BBKING), a straightforward, well-clued musical connection.

  • The answer "PIE" refers to a pie chart, a circular graph divided into slices to visually represent proportions or percentages of a whole. The clue “Certain graph shape” indicates a specific type of graph, and a pie chart’s round, segmented shape fits this description perfectly.

  • The answer is TIN because "Tin Man" is a well-known character from The Wizard of Oz, and "tin can" is a common term for a can made of tinplate. "Word with Man or can" cleverly links TIN to both phrases, making it the correct solution.

  • The Latin phrase “per diem” translates to “per day” and is commonly used to refer to daily allowances or payments. The clue “Per ___” indicates the missing second part of this well-known phrase, making DIEM (Latin for “day”) the correct answer.

  • The clue uses a playful pun. In school playgrounds, SWINGSETS are spots where children can push each other safely while playing on swings. The word "push" hints at giving momentum to someone using a swing, making it a fun and fitting answer to the pun-intended clue.

  • The answer "ASH" fits because ash is a residue left after the combustion of materials, serving as physical evidence of a fire. When something burns, it often leaves behind ash, making it a clear and logical solution for this clue.

  • The answer "HEROD" refers to King Herod the Great, a villain in the Christmas story from the Bible. He ordered the Massacre of the Innocents, where male infants in Bethlehem were killed in an attempt to eliminate baby Jesus, making him a key antagonist in the narrative.

  • In romantic comedies (rom-coms), a "meet-cute" is a trope where two characters have an amusing or charming initial encounter that sparks their relationship. As this is a common plot device in such films, MEETCUTE perfectly fits the clue "Plot device in many a rom-com."

  • A "ronin" is a samurai in feudal Japan without a master, either due to the master's death or loss of favor. The term directly translates to "drifter" or "wanderer," fitting the clue "Samurai with no master."

  • The clue “Big bust” uses wordplay, hinting at something disappointing or a flop. A "dud" refers to a failure, especially in movies, performances, or plans, often described as a "big bust" when they fail spectacularly or are ineffective. Thus, "dud" fits perfectly.

  • The answer "IOTAS" works because "iota" is the ninth letter of the Greek alphabet, often used metaphorically to mean a very small amount or piece. Pluralized here, "iotas" fits the definition of "Little pieces," emphasizing tiny or minimal quantities.

  • The clue "Welcome sight for a business" refers to what a business thrives on — its patrons. A CUSTOMER is someone who engages with a business, typically purchasing goods or services, making them a highly desirable and "welcome sight" for any business to succeed.

  • In storytelling, "canon" refers to the official, accepted narrative or lore of a fictional universe. Fan fiction, being created by fans, is not considered part of this official storyline, making it "not canon." Therefore, "canon" is the solution to the clue.

  • The phrase "Odds are" is a common expression, meaning the likelihood of something happening. In this clue, "Odds" is followed by "ARE" to complete the familiar phrase, making it the correct answer. The quotation marks hint at a spoken or idiomatic phrase.

  • The clue "Loaded with excitement" suggests something brimming with enjoyment or thrilling experiences. "Fun-filled" directly describes this, as it means full of fun and exciting activities. The word "loaded" emphasizes the abundance, making "fun-filled" the perfect match for the clue's description.

  • The phrase "Blow off steam" metaphorically means releasing built-up emotions or frustration, often by speaking angrily or passionately. To "rant" involves expressing strong emotions, typically in a loud or heated way, aligning perfectly with the clue. The "say" signals this as an example or synonym.

  • The clue "Start to do?" features a question mark, indicating wordplay. Here, "start to do" refers to the starting letter of the word "do." The first letter of "do" is "D," which, when spoken aloud, is phonetically spelled as "DEE." Hence, DEE is the answer.

  • The answer "IMS" stands for "instant messages," which are a primary form of communication exchanged on Slack, a workplace messaging platform. The clue uses "Some Slack convos" to reference these brief, direct message exchanges. "IMS" succinctly captures this form of communication.

  • The clue "Happiness and excitement, for two" refers to feelings or emotional states, which are collectively described as "moods." Both happiness and excitement are examples of specific moods, making "MOODS" the fitting answer.

  • The phrase "Four-star review, say" suggests a positive review or expression of enthusiasm. "ILOVEDIT" conveys strong approval, much like the sentiment of someone giving a four-star (out of five) rating. The "say" indicates the answer is conversational or a spoken reaction, making "ILOVEDIT" a fitting solution.

  • The clue "Spitting contest?" uses wordplay. In rap culture, "spitting" refers to delivering lyrics or rhymes. A "rap battle" is a contest where participants face off by "spitting" their best verses. The punning use of "spitting" makes RAPBATTLE the clever and appropriate answer.

  • The clue "Manage to lose" plays on the double meaning of "lose." If you "manage to lose" something, you successfully avoid or escape it. To "evade" means to dodge or elude something, fitting this nuanced interpretation perfectly. This wordplay makes EVADE the apt answer.

  • The clue "Some workplace perks" suggests benefits provided by employers. "Free meals" is a common perk many workplaces offer to attract or retain employees, aligning perfectly with the clue. It's straightforward yet fits well as a tangible example of workplace benefits.

  • The answer "NOCAP" comes from slang often used online or in texts to mean "no lie" or "seriously." "Cap" is slang for a lie or something false. Thus, "no cap" emphasizes sincerity or truthfulness, making it the perfect match for "Seriously!," in slang.

  • In the 2023 film "Barbie," the Ken dolls engage in a humorous beachside battle to assert dominance and settle their conflicts. The plural "KENS" refers to multiple Ken characters collectively characterized as the "fighters on the beach" in that scene, aligning with the playful tone of the clue.

  • The answer "RUST" fits this clue because rust is a common problem in aging cars. Over time, exposure to moisture and air causes iron parts in cars to corrode, often impacting the car's structure or appearance. This makes rust a major concern for older vehicles.

  • The clue "Preschoolers, e.g." refers to young children in general. "TOTS" is a common, informal term for very young kids, including preschool-age children. The abbreviation-like simplicity of "TOTS" fits the brevity and casual tone of the clue.

Down

  • The Museum of the Future, known for its distinctive torus-shaped architecture, is a landmark in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This futuristic museum highlights innovation and technology, matching the clue's description. Dubai is globally renowned for cutting-edge designs and architectural marvels like this museum.

  • The clue "By some measure" is a wordplay pun, suggesting a figurative way of measuring or assessing something. The solution, INONESENSE, means "in one interpretation" or "from one perspective," emphasizing that it's by a particular measure or understanding, rather than literal measurements.

  • SADD stands for Students Against Destructive Decisions, originally founded as Students Against Drunk Driving. It's an organization focused on promoting the safety and well-being of young people by addressing issues such as impaired driving, substance abuse, and risky behaviors—making it a fitting answer for "Safety org. for young people."

  • The clue specifies a painting on the Sistine Chapel ceiling, narrowed further by "with 'The'," indicating a famous work of art. Michelangelo's "The Creation of Adam" is a central and iconic fresco on the Sistine Chapel ceiling, making CREATIONOFADAM the correct answer.

  • The answer is BB KING because B.B. King, a legendary blues musician, released his iconic hit "The Thrill Is Gone" in 1970. The clue directly references the song and its performer, making BBKING the correct solution.

  • The answer "NEIN" is correct because Immanuel Kant, the famous philosopher, was German, and "nein" means "no" in German. The clue uses a possessive ("Kant's") to indicate the cultural or linguistic context—German—in which the answer should be interpreted.

  • The clue "Even more than most" suggests a sense of inclusivity or entirety that surpasses "most." The word "ALL" represents the entirety of something, going beyond the majority ("most") to include everything, thus fitting the clue perfectly.

  • The clue, in quotes, signals a spoken phrase expressing curiosity or willingness to engage. "I'll bite" is a common idiom meaning "I'm intrigued, tell me more"—perfectly matching the clue's tone. It's conversational, aligning with the phrasing and context provided.

  • The answer is DURUM because durum wheat is a hard variety of wheat commonly used to make pasta, including macaroni. It is specially suited for pasta production due to its high protein content and firm texture after cooking. Hence, "Macaroni wheat" directly refers to DURUM.

  • The answer is "ERBE" because Kathryn Erbe is an actress best known for her role as Detective Alexandra Eames on Law & Order: Criminal Intent. The clue references her by her first name, and "ERBE" is her last name.

  • The clue "Anticipatory times" refers to moments just before significant events, often filled with excitement or preparation, such as Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve. These "eves" are literally times of anticipation, matching the plural form used in the clue. Thus, the answer is EVES.

  • The phrase “Anger, with ‘off’” refers to the expression “teed off,” which is commonly used to mean angry or upset. The answer “TEE” comes from the base of this phrase, cleverly isolating the part before "off" for the solution.

  • The clue "Lantern, e.g." asks for a general category to which a lantern belongs. A lantern is a type of light source or lighting device, and a LAMP is a broader term encompassing various light sources like lanterns, making LAMP the correct answer.

  • An eclipse is an astronomical phenomenon involving celestial bodies, such as the moon or sun, aligning in a specific way. This aligns with the term "CELESTIAL EVENT," which broadly describes significant occurrences in space, like eclipses. The answer encapsulates the clue's definition perfectly.

  • The word "Peel" refers to the outer layer or covering of some fruits, like oranges or lemons. The term "RIND" specifically describes this tough, outer layer or skin. Hence, "RIND" is the correct answer for this clue.

  • The clue "Proof of a plot" involves wordplay. A "plot" can refer to a piece of land, and the document proving ownership of such land is a "deed." Thus, DEED serves as the "proof" of the plot in question.

  • The clue "Order in the court" refers to a legal context. A "WRIT" is a formal written order issued by a court instructing someone to act or refrain from acting in a specific way. This aligns with the clue's phrasing, as it directly represents an official "order" in legal proceedings.

  • The answer is SMURF because the Smurfs are the tiny blue characters from the 1980s animated series "The Smurfs." Gargamel is the antagonist in the show, constantly trying to capture the Smurfs, making them his primary foes. This connection explains why SMURF fits the clue.

  • An "AUTODIDACT" is a self-taught person who learns independently, often relying heavily on library resources like books and materials for their education. The word "perhaps" in the clue suggests a potential characteristic of a "library regular," making "AUTODIDACT" a fitting solution.

  • The answer is STAN because it refers to a famous 2000 song by Eminem featuring a sample of Dido's song "Thank You." The story-driven track narrates letters from a fan named Stan, whose obsession with Eminem leads to tragic consequences, making "STAN" a defining track in Eminem's discography.

  • The clue "___ a real nowhere man ..." refers to a lyric from The Beatles' song "Nowhere Man." The missing word is "He's," which contracts to "HES" to fit crossword format. It directly completes the quoted lyric "He's a real nowhere man."

  • The clue "Billing unit" refers to a standard measure used for calculating charges, often by professionals like lawyers, consultants, or freelancers. They frequently charge clients based on the time spent working, measured in units such as an HOUR. Thus, HOUR is a fitting answer.

  • The answer is CONE because after surgery, dogs often wear an "Elizabethan collar," commonly called a cone. This protective, cone-shaped device prevents them from licking or biting their stitches, ensuring proper healing. The clue directly references this practical post-operative accessory for dogs.

  • RCA is the solution because RCA (Radio Corporation of America) was a pioneer in record technology and introduced the first 33 1/3 revolutions per minute (r.p.m.) records in 1931, revolutionizing the music industry by allowing longer playing times compared to earlier formats.

  • The answer "DENT" fits "Make an impression on" because a dent is a physical impression or mark made on a surface, often by impact. The clue uses a figurative expression to describe the literal action of creating a noticeable mark or effect.

  • The MUNSTER family was the focus of The Munsters, a popular 1960s sitcom about a quirky, monster-like family living in suburbia. The clue refers to a member of this fictional TV family, making "MUNSTER" the correct answer.

  • The answer is CLEO because in Disney's animated film "Pinocchio," Geppetto keeps a pet goldfish named Cleo. She is characterized as friendly and affectionate, often seen swimming in a bowl in his workshop. The clue directly references her role as Geppetto's pet in the movie.

  • The clue "Least active" in a comparative sense refers to being the most idle or inactive. "Idle" means not active or engaged, and the superlative form of "idle" is "idlest," making it the correct answer here. It matches grammatically and contextually.

  • The clue signals wordplay. "Hang out" suggests both relaxation and literally hanging. In hotel rooms, robes are commonly provided and often hang on hooks or in closets. This playful double meaning makes "ROBES" the fitting answer.

  • The answer is MIDAS because it refers to the well-known automotive repair chain "Midas," famous for services like muffler and exhaust system repairs. The phrase "Big name in mufflers" points directly to this brand, which specializes in muffler-related work in the auto industry.

  • The answer "STEP" fits because a "how-to" guide is typically broken down into sequential actions or instructions, often referred to as "steps." Each individual "step" represents a "bit" or part of the overall guide. This logical connection explains why "STEP" is the correct solution.

  • The clue "Stable mate" refers to an animal that resides in a stable. A "mare" is an adult female horse, which is commonly found in stables. "Mate" hints at companionship, implying another horse, making "mare" a fitting answer.

  • In chess, moving the first pawn is typically the first action of a game, which "opens" play. The word "OPEN" is often used to describe the start of a game or an action initiating something. Hence, it fits perfectly as the answer.

  • The clue "Troubles" refers to difficulties or problems, which can be synonymous with "ills." "Ills" broadly describes hardships, struggles, or challenges, making it the perfect match to describe "troubles." The plural form aligns with the plural clue.

  • EVOO stands for "Extra Virgin Olive Oil," a high-quality, flavorful oil often used in salad dressings. The clue specifies "in brief," indicating the use of an abbreviation. Extra virgin olive oil is celebrated for its rich taste, aligning perfectly with the clue's description.

  • RFK refers to Robert F. Kennedy, a prominent U.S. statesman and senator. The clue asks for initials, and the quote is famously attributed to him, reflecting his ideals of ambition and resilience. RFK matches the initials "Robert F. Kennedy," making it the correct answer.

  • In physics, the time constant, often related to exponential decay or response in systems like capacitors or inductors, is commonly symbolized by the Greek letter TAU (τ). TAU represents the characteristic time scale of such processes, aligning with the clue "Time constant symbol in physics."

Today’s Game Difficulty

4 / 5
Hard

Rate Your Difficulty

Rate This Solver

View Most Recent 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

Jesse Cohn’s fourth crossword is a lively, fresh-feeling Friday themeless with just the right balance of crunch and payoff. The grid sparkles with entries like MEETCUTE, RAPBATTLE, FUN-FILLED, and AUTODIDACT, each clued with wit and modern flair. The trivia (John Lennon’s TOOTH, HEROD as Christmas villain) mixes smoothly with contemporary slang (NOCAP, ILOVEDIT). Cluing is playful throughout—“Queen’s guard?” for KILLERBEE and “Spitting contest?” for RAPBATTLE are standouts. The fill stays clean despite ambitious long entries, with only a few crossword staples (IOTAS, DEE) needed to hold things together. A satisfying, engaging solve that rewards solvers across generations.

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

The Atlantic Puzzle Companions