NYT Crossword hints and answer for April 18, 2026

Hints that get gradually more specific, then the answer if you need it. Nothing is revealed until you tap.

Clues62
Across29
Down33
ConstructorJesse Cohn

Today’s NYT Crossword clues, hints & answers

Every clue from this puzzle with a hint and the answer behind separate buttons, so you only see what you need. Click a clue for its own page.

Across

1A
8A
Team with the mascot Big Al, familiarly (4)
Starts with B, ends with ABAMA→
12A
In time (13)
Starts with S, ends with RSOONERORLATER→
15A
New York's ___ Valley (6)
Starts with H, ends with NHUDSON→
16A
Thawing (7)
Starts with D, ends with EDETENTE→
17A
Treat (6)
Starts with D, ends with RDOCTOR→
19A
Things that shouldn't be hidden (4)
Starts with F, ends with SFEES→
20A
Non-eco-friendly refrigerant (5)
Starts with F, ends with NFREON→
21A
Term in the bedroom, maybe (8)
Starts with S, ends with DSAFEWORD→
23A
Unite (3)
Starts with W, ends with DWED→
24A
Two-pronged (4)
Starts with D, ends with LDUAL→
26A
Metros in the 1990s (4)
Starts with G, ends with SGEOS→
27A
"Wait just a sec" (9)
Starts with H, ends with THANGTIGHT→
29A
Cowboy's friend, informally (4)
Starts with P, ends with DPARD→
31A
Finalized (3)
Starts with S, ends with TSET→
34A
"You've got nothing to worry about" (8)
Starts with R, ends with YRESTEASY→
38A
Routine surfaces (4)
Starts with M, ends with SMATS→
39A
Browns, on a scoreboard (3)
Starts with C, ends with ECLE→
40A
Mathematics writer Gardner (6)
Starts with M, ends with NMARTIN→
41A
Words of endorsement (7)
Starts with I, ends with TIMFORIT→
43A
Arrived (6)
Starts with M, ends with TMADEIT→
44A
Make-believe sorrow (14)
Starts with C, ends with SCROCODILETEARS→
46A
47A
Daredevil's calculation (4)
Starts with O, ends with SODDS→
48A
Some fairy tale characters (7)
Starts with D, ends with SDAMSELS→

Down

1D
Did business with, in a way (6)
Starts with S, ends with OSOLDTO→
2D
Blowgun projectile (10)
Starts with P, ends with TPOISONDART→
3D
Words before "a penny" or "a treat" (5)
Starts with I, ends with RINFOR→
4D
Fifth-most abundant element in the universe (4)
Starts with N, ends with NNEON→
5D
Lieutenant in "Catch-22" (3)
Starts with O, ends with RORR→
6D
Into (6)
Starts with F, ends with FFONDOF→
7D
9D
Yom Kippur observers (7)
Starts with A, ends with SATONERS→
10D
Like the cheese in fondue (6)
Starts with M, ends with DMELTED→
11D
Backdrop for many van Gogh paintings (5)
Starts with A, ends with SARLES→
12D
Blitzed (6)
Starts with S, ends with DSAUCED→
13D
___ pull-downs (exercise) (3)
Starts with L, ends with TLAT→
14D
Item in a list on the fridge, maybe (5)
Starts with C, ends with ECHORE→
17D
Texas air hub, for short (3)
Starts with D, ends with WDFW→
18D
Silky-haired toy (7)
Starts with M, ends with EMALTESE→
21D
Start to give (3)
Starts with S, ends with GSAG→
22D
"Hey, no backing out now!" (10)
Starts with W, ends with LWEHADADEAL→
25D
Still waffling (9)
Starts with U, ends with DUNDECIDED→
27D
Relatives of ottomans (8)
Starts with H, ends with SHASSOCKS→
28D
Texter's affectionate sign-off (3)
Starts with I, ends with YILY→
29D
It's not fit for human consumption (7)
Starts with P, ends with DPETFOOD→
31D
Cutting stuff (6)
Starts with S, ends with ESATIRE→
32D
Cuts a line? (5)
Starts with E, ends with SEDITS→
33D
It takes two hands to show (3)
Starts with T, ends with NTEN→
34D
Musketeer's tool (6)
Starts with R, ends with DRAMROD→
35D
Nissan model (6)
Starts with A, ends with AALTIMA→
37D
Brings about, as havoc (6)
Starts with W, ends with SWREAKS→
38D
Less than milli-, more than nano- (5)
Starts with M, ends with OMICRO→
40D
Paint option (5)
Starts with M, ends with EMATTE→
42D
Metric for a venture capitalist, in brief (3)
Starts with R, ends with IROI→
43D
Play (with) (4)
Starts with M, ends with SMESS→
45D
Calc. calculation (3)
Starts with L, ends with MLIM→

How to solve the NYT Crossword

Fill the grid so that every Across and Down answer matches its clue. Numbered squares mark where answers begin. Theme answers, usually the longest entries, share a twist that the puzzle's title or a revealer clue explains. Thursday puzzles are known for rebus squares and other tricks that bend the normal rules.

Want the full method? Read our NYT Crossword strategy and tips, or check how to play the NYT Crossword on the hub.

NYT Crossword tips for tomorrow

  • Start with Monday-level clues. Even on a Saturday, a handful of clues are straightforward. Find them and build outward from the crossings.
  • Hunt for the revealer. A clue that references other entries or ends in "?" often explains the theme. Solving it first unlocks the long answers.
  • Respect the day of the week. Thursday means tricks like rebus squares; Friday and Saturday mean long, clever fill with misleading clues.

Done for today? Try The Mini, The Midi, LA Times Crossword, all with hints first and answers behind a reveal.

Previous NYT Crossword puzzles

NYT Crossword FAQ

How many clues are in the NYT Crossword for April 18, 2026?+

62 clues: 29 Across and 33 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Jesse Cohn and edited by Will Shortz.

What are some answers in today’s NYT Crossword?+

For example: "The Jeffersons" or "The Simpsons," notably (SPINOFF); Team with the mascot Big Al, familiarly (BAMA); In time (SOONERORLATER).

What time does the NYT Crossword come out?+

The next day's puzzle is released at 10:00 pm Eastern Time Monday to Friday and at 6:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Where can I find past NYT Crossword answers?+

Every puzzle in our archive has its own page with all Across and Down answers, plus a page for each clue. Click any date above.

Today’s other puzzle answers

NYT Crossword guides