NYT Crossword hints and answer for August 17, 2026
Hints that get gradually more specific, then the answer if you need it. Nothing is revealed until you tap.
Clues78
Across39
Down39
ConstructorZhouqin Burnikel
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
One of two fruit flavors in Sprite (4)
Starts with L, ends with ELIME→
5A
Has no choice (4)
Starts with M, ends with TMUST→
9A
"The ___ thickens" (4)
Starts with P, ends with TPLOT→
13A
Islamic prayer leader (4)
Starts with I, ends with MIMAM→
14A
Poker player's buy-in (4)
Starts with A, ends with EANTE→
15A
Italian "Paul" (5)
Starts with P, ends with OPAOLO→
16A
Well-dressed guy (9)
Starts with D, ends with NDAPPERDAN→
18A
Arctic Indigenous group (5)
Starts with I, ends with TINUIT→
19A
Venomous arachnid (8)
Starts with S, ends with NSCORPION→
20A
Not dormant, as a volcano (6)
Starts with A, ends with EACTIVE→
21A
A, in German (3)
Starts with E, ends with NEIN→
22A
Autobahn speedometer meas. (3)
Starts with K, ends with HKPH→
24A
Take, as advice (4)
Starts with H, ends with DHEED→
25A
It captures ballpark smooches (7)
Starts with K, ends with MKISSCAM→
29A
Stand for a poster (5)
Starts with E, ends with LEASEL→
31A
Egyptian fertility goddess (4)
Starts with I, ends with SISIS→
32A
Hilarious person (4)
Starts with R, ends with TRIOT→
34A
Doll with neon hair (5)
Starts with T, ends with LTROLL→
37A
Ping-Pong table divider (3)
Starts with N, ends with TNET→
38A
Containers for fruit preserves (7)
Starts with J, ends with SJAMJARS→
40A
Burj Khalifa's country, for short (3)
Starts with U, ends with EUAE→
41A
Birds in V-formations (5)
Starts with G, ends with EGEESE→
43A
Capital with fjord tours (4)
Starts with O, ends with OOSLO→
44A
Facility that produces coins (4)
Starts with M, ends with TMINT→
45A
Casts a ballot (5)
Starts with V, ends with SVOTES→
47A
Lengthy rants (7)
Starts with S, ends with SSCREEDS→
49A
Sulky state (4)
Starts with S, ends with TSNIT→
51A
___ Geo Wild (cable channel) (3)
Starts with N, ends with TNAT→
53A
Popular chain for RVers (3)
Starts with K, ends with AKOA→
54A
Snacked (6)
Starts with N, ends with DNOSHED→
56A
Hot pepper named for Cuba's capital (8)
Starts with H, ends with OHABANERO→
61A
Off Broadway awards (5)
Starts with O, ends with SOBIES→
62A
"Totally agree!" … or what the circled letters are, in different languages (9)
Starts with Y, ends with SYESANDYES→
63A
Like throwbacks (5)
Starts with R, ends with ORETRO→
64A
Abbr. before a recipient's name on an envelope (4)
Starts with A, ends with NATTN→
65A
The Roaring Twenties and the Swinging Sixties (4)
Starts with E, ends with SERAS→
66A
Otherwise (4)
Starts with E, ends with EELSE→
67A
Hotel worker (4)
Starts with M, ends with DMAID→
68A
Overhaul (4)
Starts with R, ends with OREDO→
Down
1D
Covers for pots (4)
Starts with L, ends with SLIDS→
2D
Apple with a big screen (4)
Starts with I, ends with CIMAC→
3D
___ tofu (Sichuan dish) (4)
Starts with M, ends with OMAPO→
4D
Catherine the Great, e.g. (7)
Starts with E, ends with SEMPRESS→
5D
Sauce for mozzarella sticks (8)
Starts with M, ends with AMARINARA→
7D
Reeked (5)
Starts with S, ends with KSTANK→
8D
Half a score (3)
Starts with T, ends with NTEN→
9D
"Pink" animal of film (7)
Starts with P, ends with RPANTHER→
10D
1963 Kingsmen hit with a repetitive title (10)
Starts with L, ends with ELOUIELOUIE→
11D
Martini garnish (5)
Starts with O, ends with EOLIVE→
12D
Schlepped (5)
Starts with T, ends with DTOTED→
15D
Insta posting (3)
Starts with P, ends with CPIC→
17D
Sweeping in scope (4)
Starts with E, ends with CEPIC→
20D
"Now I understand!" (3)
Starts with A, ends with AAHA→
23D
Fragrant bits tossed at newlyweds (6)
Starts with P, ends with SPETALS→
25D
Key chess piece (4)
Starts with K, ends with GKING→
26D
"That makes sense" (4)
Starts with I, ends with EISEE→
27D
On-location inspections (10)
Starts with S, ends with SSITEVISITS→
28D
Boozy brunch drink (6)
Starts with M, ends with AMIMOSA→
30D
Lines on a GPS (3)
Starts with S, ends with SSTS→
33D
Breakfast beverages, for short (3)
Starts with O, ends with SOJS→
35D
Come down to earth (4)
Starts with L, ends with DLAND→
36D
"Sounds like a plan!" (4)
Starts with L, ends with SLETS→
38D
Hot tub nozzle (3)
Starts with J, ends with TJET→
39D
Green Day or Pink Floyd (8)
Starts with R, ends with DROCKBAND→
42D
"And that's that!" (7)
Starts with S, ends with ESOTHERE→
44D
Wander aimlessly (7)
Starts with M, ends with RMEANDER→
46D
Wrap up (3)
Starts with E, ends with DEND→
48D
Singer Chappell (4)
Starts with R, ends with NROAN→
49D
Sound asleep? (5)
Starts with S, ends with ESNORE→
50D
2016 prize for Bob Dylan (5)
Starts with N, ends with LNOBEL→
52D
Greek letter that symbolizes an angle (5)
Starts with T, ends with ATHETA→
55D
That, in Spain (3)
Starts with E, ends with OESO→
57D
___ Spumante (4)
Starts with A, ends with IASTI→
58D
Brontë's "Jane ___" (4)
Starts with E, ends with EEYRE→
59D
Enjoy a fantasy, say (4)
Starts with R, ends with DREAD→
60D
___ buco (4)
Starts with O, ends with OOSSO→
62D
Sweet potato (3)
Starts with Y, ends with MYAM→
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 August 17, 2026?+
78 clues: 39 Across and 39 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Zhouqin Burnikel and edited by Will Shortz.
What are some answers in today’s NYT Crossword?+
For example: One of two fruit flavors in Sprite (LIME); Has no choice (MUST); "The ___ thickens" (PLOT).
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.
