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NY Times Crossword Logo

NYT Crossword Answers: Get Hints and Solve All Clues

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Across

  • The answer "DABS" fits the clue "Light touches" because "dabs" refers to gentle, light presses or touches, such as when dabbing a surface with a cloth or applying makeup. This perfectly aligns with the definition in the clue, making it the correct solution.

  • In dominos, the small dots on each tile representing numbers are called "pips." The clue "Domino features" directly refers to these, as they are a defining characteristic of domino tiles, making "PIPS" the correct answer.

  • The clue "Maine-to-Spain direction" hints at the geographical direction from Maine (in the U.S.) to Spain (in Europe). Traveling from Maine across the Atlantic Ocean to Spain requires moving eastward on a map. Thus, the answer is EAST.

  • The clue "Frequently" is a straightforward definition clue, meaning the answer directly relates to the word's synonym. "A LOT" means "frequently" in terms of quantity or occurrence, making it the correct answer. It's a common way to express something happening often or in large amounts.

  • The answer is ANDIE because Andie MacDowell is the actress who played Rita, the love interest of Phil (Bill Murray), in the classic 1993 film "Groundhog Day." The clue directly refers to her by name and her role in the movie.

  • In card games like poker, an "ante" is the initial stake players must contribute before a deal begins. The clue plays on "new deal" to hint at starting a round in such a game, making ANTE the apt answer.

  • In "Survivor," a blindside occurs when a contestant is unexpectedly voted out by their peers. The key action involved in orchestrating a blindside is casting a "VOTE" to eliminate someone, making "VOTE" the fitting answer. The clue’s phrasing aligns with this core game mechanic.

  • The CHARLESTON is a dance craze popularized in the 1920s, named after Charleston, South Carolina, a Southern U.S. city. The energetic dance became synonymous with the Jazz Age and reflects its origin through its name, directly tying the dance to the city mentioned in the clue.

  • One meaning of having your fingers crossed is wishing for luck or hoping for a good outcome. “I HOPE SO” reflects that optimistic gesture—something you might say when rooting for things to go your way.

  • Crossed fingers don’t always mean good luck—they can also signal dishonesty. “I’M LYING” captures the idea of someone saying something untrue while figuratively (or literally) hiding crossed fingers behind their back.

  • Cannonball Adderley was a renowned jazz musician known for playing the alto saxophone. The clue specifies "informally," so the shortened term "SAX" fits perfectly as the answer. This abbreviation is commonly used to refer to the saxophone in casual contexts.

  • The answer is DUMB because it forms common idiomatic phrases: "dumbstruck," meaning rendered speechless out of shock, and "dumb luck," referring to accidental good fortune. The clue hints at prefixes that combine with "struck" or "luck" to create meaningful expressions, making "dumb" the correct lead-in.

  • The clue "Fashionable time to arrive, it's said" uses wordplay, implying a phrase or idea. "Fashionable" suggests being trendy or socially acceptable. It's often considered stylish to arrive "fashionably late" to events. The answer, LATE, reflects this cultural notion, fitting the clue's phrasing and intent perfectly.

  • In Homer's "Odyssey," Penelope is Odysseus's wife, who is pursued by many suitors during his long absence. She cleverly delays remarriage by weaving and unweaving a shroud. As a central figure in the epic, this aligns perfectly with the clue.

  • The answer "OWE" fits the clue "Carry a debt" because to owe is to be obligated to pay or repay something, typically money, which directly describes carrying debt or financial liability. "Carry" metaphorically refers to bearing the responsibility of unpaid debt.

  • The term "BARON" historically refers to a powerful, influential individual controlling a certain industry, like "oil baron" or "media baron." It aligns with the clue "Business magnate," as both describe a wealthy, dominant figure in the business world.

  • In Book 15 of the "Odyssey," the hawk carrying a dove symbolizes a divine or supernatural sign, interpreted as an omen—a foreshadowing of events. In ancient literature, such occurrences were often seen as messages from the gods, guiding or warning characters.

  • The answer "XOX" represents hugs (X) and kisses (O), a common shorthand for affection. It’s often used as a sign-off in messages, expressing warmth and love. Its simplicity and symbolic nature make it a perfect fit for "Affectionate sign-off."

  • The clue "Like thrifted goods" describes items typically purchased secondhand, implying they’ve been previously owned or utilized. The word "USED" perfectly fits this context, as it directly describes something that has been owned or used before, aligning with the nature of thrifted items.

  • The phrase “What's heard exactly twice in a lifetime?” uses wordplay. If you focus on the word “lifetime,” the word “I” appears twice within it (“l i f e t i m e”). Phonetically, this hints at "long I," which is pronounced as the vowel sound heard in the word "lifetime." Thus, the answer is LONGI.

  • The clue "The Emerald Isle" refers to Ireland, famously nicknamed for its lush green landscape. "EIRE" is the Irish name for Ireland in the Irish language, making it the correct answer. This clue plays on Ireland’s poetic nickname and uses its native term.

  • The clue "Tabs with psychedelic properties" refers to LSD, a hallucinogenic drug often distributed on small, square pieces of paper called "tabs." These "tabs" are known for their mind-altering, psychedelic effects, directly aligning with the clue's description.

  • The phrase "Hang in the balance" refers to something being undecided or pending. "PEND" derives from the Latin root meaning "to hang" and directly suggests something awaiting resolution, matching the clue's meaning perfectly. The succinct nature of "PEND" fits crossword efficiency.

  • In volleyball, a "dink" is a soft, controlled hit where the ball is gently tapped or pushed over the net, often to strategically place it in an area where defenders are not positioned. This matches the clue "Soft volleyball hits," as DINKS refers to these types of subtle plays.

  • The answer "BOP" refers to "bebop," a style of jazz known for its fast tempo, innovative improvisation, and complex harmonies, which was prominent during Adderley's career. Cannonball Adderley, a legendary saxophonist, often played in styles influenced by bebop, especially in his early works. Thus, it fits the clue perfectly.

  • "Interned" is the solution because it reflects the process of working, often in a temporary or training position, to gain experience and learn skills in a particular field. The clue "Worked to learn" directly ties to the concept of an internship, where learning happens through active work.

  • The answer is CAAN because James Caan was a well-known actor who portrayed Sonny Corleone, a key character in the iconic 1972 movie "The Godfather." The clue directly references his first name, "James," and his role in the film clarifies the connection.

  • The clue "Thailand, once" refers to the historical name of Thailand. Until 1939, and briefly during 1945-1949, Thailand was officially called "Siam." The phrase "once" signals a former name, making "Siam" the correct answer.

  • The answer "LAA" refers to the Los Angeles Angels, a Major League Baseball team in the American League (A.L.) West division. On scoreboards, teams are often abbreviated using three letters, and "LAA" is the standard abbreviation for this team.

  • The clue references "With 57-Across," meaning the full gesture is split across two answers. This is part one of the revealer. The circled letters spell INDEX and MIDDLE, which are fingers. Together with 57-Across, this clue explains the theme: FINGERS CROSSED.

  • The second half of the revealer, completing “FINGERS CROSSED.” It ties the puzzle’s circled letters into a literal gesture and sets up the two meanings at 20- and 22-Across.

  • The answer "MADEYALOOK" fits the clue as it’s a playful taunt often said after tricking someone, typically by pointing to something imaginary or false. The clue signals wordplay, reinforcing this humorous phrase as a response to someone falling for a gullibility test.

  • The word "WARE" refers to goods or merchandise offered for sale. It aligns perfectly with "Bit of merchandise," as it represents items like pottery, tools, or products collectively described as "wares." It is a succinct, fitting solution reflecting the clue's straightforward meaning.

  • The answer "ATAN" fills the blank in "___ impasse," creating the phrase "at an impasse," which means being stuck or unable to move forward in a situation. It’s a straightforward completion of the phrase commonly used in English.

  • The term "TABLE" is used in contexts like meetings or discussions to mean postponing or delaying a topic for later consideration. Therefore, "Put off for now" matches this definition, as it describes deferring something temporarily.

  • "Situated above" directly describes something positioned on top or over another object, aligning perfectly with the definition of "ATOP," which means "on top of" something or above it. The straightforward nature of the clue makes ATOP the exact answer.

  • The clue "Witty remark" points to JEST because "jest" refers to a humorous or clever comment, often delivered in a playful or witty manner. It's synonymous with a joke or a quip, which aligns perfectly with the clue's meaning.

  • The answer is BEAD because beads are small decorative items commonly found in craft stores. They are used for making jewelry, sewing, or other creative projects, fitting the category of a "craft store item" perfectly.

  • The clue "Hey!" is in quotes, signaling it's a spoken or nonverbal expression. "PSST" is a whispered way to grab someone's attention, much like saying "Hey!" discreetly. It fits the tone of the clue as a soft, subtle call.

Down

  • The answer "DAVIS" refers to Viola Davis, the acclaimed actress who starred as General Nanisca in the 2022 film The Woman King. The clue directly points to her first name, Viola, making DAVIS her recognizable last name and the correct solution.

  • The clue "So long, Oahu!" ends with an exclamation mark, hinting at a playful tone. "So long" suggests a farewell, and Oahu, in Hawaii, ties to the Hawaiian language. "Aloha" is a Hawaiian word meaning both "hello" and "goodbye," perfectly fitting this context.

  • The answer is BOTOX because it is a well-known cosmetic treatment used to smooth wrinkles and reduce the appearance of fine lines on the face by temporarily paralyzing muscles. The clue "Wrinkle smoother" directly describes its primary function, making BOTOX a fitting solution.

  • "Part of a flight" refers to a component of a staircase, which can be called a "flight of stairs." A single part or unit of such a flight is a STEP. Hence, STEP is the solution.

  • The answer "PACSUN" refers to Pacific Sunwear, a popular clothing chain that started as a surf shop in California in 1980. Known for its surf and skate-inspired apparel, the chain has since expanded nationwide, retaining its roots in coastal and surf culture, making it a fitting solution.

  • The solution "INHOME" fits the clue because it refers to services conducted within a person's residence. Both tutoring and eldercare can often be provided in the home, offering personalized attention in a comfortable and familiar setting. This aligns with the descriptive phrase "like some" in the clue.

  • The answer "PDA" stands for "Public Display of Affection," which refers to shows of romantic affection, like smooching, in public places such as a park bench. The clue specifies "for short," indicating the answer is an abbreviation, making PDA the correct choice.

  • The clue "One who's given many instructions nowadays" refers to SIRI, Apple's virtual assistant. SIRI is frequently "given instructions" as users interact with it via voice commands for tasks like setting reminders, playing music, or finding information. The modern reliance on such technology makes this a fitting, playful answer.

  • The clue "G.P.A. enhancer" suggests something that boosts a grade point average. The answer, EASYA, plays on the idea of an "easy A"—a class or subject that's not challenging and almost guarantees an A grade, thus raising one's GPA. The pun and wordplay fit perfectly!

  • The clue "Neutralizing serum" refers to a substance used to counteract toxins in the body. An ANTITOXIN is precisely this—a serum containing antibodies that neutralize toxins, often used in medical treatments for toxin exposure or infections like tetanus or diphtheria. Hence, ANTITOXIN fits perfectly.

  • The clue "Masonry" refers to the craft or construction involving stone. The term "STONEWORK" directly describes the process or work done with stone in building or sculpting, which aligns perfectly with the definition of masonry—making it the correct answer.

  • The clue "100 C-notes" uses wordplay. "C-note" is slang for $100. So, 100 C-notes equals $10,000. In Roman numerals, "10,000" is written as "TENG" (T = 10,000, ENG as a playful completion). Hence, TENG fits.

  • The answer is ELM because the elm tree is renowned for its stately, towering appearance and widespread use in landscaping for shade. Historically, elms have lined streets and parks, valued for their graceful canopies, making them a "stately" and iconic shade provider.

  • ELLEN is the correct answer because Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the former president of Liberia, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 for her efforts in promoting women's rights and peacebuilding. The blank in the clue directly seeks her first name, "Ellen."

  • The word "EDEN" is aptly hidden within "unspoilED ENclave." EDEN refers to the biblical paradise, often described as unspoiled and pure—matching the clue's description of "unspoiled." The wordplay involves spotting EDEN directly embedded in the phrase, making it a fitting and clever solution.

  • The clue "Lightheaded sorts?" uses wordplay and a pun. "Light" refers to the shade of hair color, and "headed" plays on "head" as in hair. Thus, "Lightheaded sorts" cleverly describes blondes, people with light-colored hair. The pun doesn’t literally mean dizzy but humorously connects to their hair color.

  • The answer "POD" fits the clue "Capsule" because a pod is a container or vessel that encapsulates something, much like a capsule does. For example, a seed pod or a space capsule both enclose and protect contents, making this a direct synonym.

  • The clue [Shocking!] uses brackets, signaling a nonverbal or exclamatory response. "OMG" (short for "Oh My God") is a common expression of shock or surprise, perfectly aligning with the clue's meaning. The brackets emphasize its informal, spoken nature, making "OMG" an ideal fit.

  • The answer is PEI, which stands for Prince Edward Island. It is the least-populous Canadian province, with a small population compared to others. The clue uses "Abbr." to indicate the answer is the province's abbreviation.

  • The clue "Ones paying or receiving alimony" directly refers to former spouses, as alimony is financial support typically exchanged after a divorce. "EXES" is a common term for former partners, making it the perfect fit for this clue.

  • The amaryllis plant grows from a bulb, making "BULB" the correct answer. The clue, "Future amaryllis," hints at its early stage of development before growing into the flowering plant, emphasizing its starting form as a bulb.

  • The clue "Colleague" refers to someone who works with another person in a professional or organizational context. "ASSOCIATE" fits perfectly as it is a synonym for colleague, commonly used to describe a work partner or teammate. There’s no wordplay or special interpretation involved here—it's a straightforward definition.

  • The answer is REDPANDAS because these mammals are native to Asia, specifically the Himalayan region and China. They are known for their vibrant reddish-brown fur ("colorful") and characteristic ringed tails. The clue directly describes their physical traits and region, making REDPANDAS the perfect fit.

  • The answer "LEN" refers to Len Deighton, a renowned British spy novelist famous for works like The IPCRESS File and Funeral in Berlin. The clue directly asks for the name of this author, making "LEN" the straightforward and correct solution.

  • The answer "ONT" stands for Ontario, which is the most populous province in Canada. The clue specifies "Abbr.," indicating the use of an abbreviation. Ontario, home to cities like Toronto and Ottawa, has the largest population among Canadian provinces, making "ONT" the correct solution.

  • EID is the informal term for Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. It's a time of celebration, feasting, and prayer. The clue specifies "informally," so the concise term "EID" fits perfectly.

  • The answer "PINEY" describes something that smells like pine, a common scent for air fresheners. Air fresheners often mimic natural, outdoorsy scents like pine to create a fresh and clean atmosphere, making "PINEY" a fitting descriptor for the clue.

  • The clue "Floor model, often" refers to a product displayed on a store's floor for demonstration purposes. "Demo" is short for "demonstration," fitting well as these floor models are used to showcase or "demo" the item's features to customers. Hence, the answer is DEMO.

  • The answer "RICOLA" fits because it is a well-known Swiss brand famous for its herbal cough drops, often marketed with their iconic yodeling "Ri-co-la!" commercials. The clue directly references a cough drop brand from Switzerland, making RICOLA the correct and obvious solution.

  • The clue "Squealed: Var." indicates a variation of a term meaning "to inform or betray." "Narked" is British slang for informing on someone or "squealing" to authorities. The "Var." suggests a non-standard or regional spelling/wording, making NARKED the correct answer.

  • The solution "AGENT" fits because it pairs naturally with "double" (as in "double agent," a spy working for two sides) and "free" (as in "free agent," someone not under a contract or obligation, often used in sports or employment contexts).

  • The clue "Hurdles for future J.D.s" refers to the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). A J.D. is a Juris Doctor, the degree for lawyers. The LSAT is a standardized exam required for law school admission, hence a "hurdle" for aspiring J.D. candidates.

  • The answer is AEROS because Aero is a chocolate bar made by Nestlé, known for its unique texture created by tiny air bubbles throughout the chocolate. The clue refers to these "tiny bubbles," which are the signature feature of the Aero bar, making it the perfect fit.

  • The word "ADEPT" directly means being highly skilled, proficient, or expert at something, making it a synonym for "Skillful." There’s no tricky wordplay here—just a straightforward clue and answer pairing based on their shared definition.

  • The abbreviation "FMAJ" stands for F major, the key of Mozart's Symphony No. 6. Musical keys are often abbreviated in crosswords, with "MAJ" indicating "major." Mozart composed this symphony in the F major key, making FMAJ the correct answer.

  • The clue "Squealer" refers to someone who informs or tattles on others, often betraying their trust. "Rat" is a slang term for such a person, as they "squeal" or reveal secrets, aligning perfectly with the clue's meaning.

  • "SLAB" is the solution because it refers to a thick, flat, and often rectangular piece of material, such as stone, wood, or concrete. The clue "Thick piece" directly describes the defining characteristic of a slab, making it a straightforward match.

  • The clue "Cashless deal" refers to an exchange or trade of items or services without money being involved. A "SWAP" exactly describes such a transaction, where two parties trade goods or services directly. The term aligns perfectly with the clue's straightforward meaning.

  • OBE stands for "Officer of the Order of the British Empire," a prestigious honor awarded in the United Kingdom for contributions to the arts, sciences, public services, or charitable work. It is one of the honors within the British honors system. Hence, it fits "U.K. award."

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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 Wednesday NYT crossword by Peter A. Collins is a perfect example of a midweek puzzle that stretches solvers beyond the basics. The theme is playful but layered: the circled letters form a skewed X spelling INDEX and MIDDLE, which the revealers explain as FINGERS CROSSED. That gesture then branches into two meanings—hopefulness (I HOPE SO) or deception (I’M LYING). It’s clever, both visually and semantically, giving solvers an “aha” moment that’s worth the effort. The cluing is tough, too, with misdirects like LONG I (“heard exactly twice in a lifetime”) adding to the challenge. A smart, rewarding solve.

Today's Tricky Wordplay

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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

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Today's NYT Puzzle Guides by LadyPuzzle Pro

Daily Challenges Beyond NYT Games

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