NYT Crossword hints and answer for July 3, 2026
Hints that get gradually more specific, then the answer if you need it. Nothing is revealed until you tap.
Clues72
Across36
Down36
ConstructorBarbara Lin
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
Bank of China Tower architect (5)
Starts with I, ends with IIMPEI→
6A
Accepts accolades onstage, say (9)
Starts with T, ends with WTAKESABOW→
15A
Loses some hair, e.g. (5)
Starts with M, ends with SMOLTS→
16A
Facial feature also known as a "nasolabial fold" (9)
Starts with S, ends with ESMILELINE→
17A
Race to the top (15)
Starts with P, ends with NPRESIDENTIALRUN→
19A
N.H.L.'s Mammoth, on sports tickers (3)
Starts with U, ends with AUTA→
20A
Bag that may contain swag (4)
Starts with T, ends with ETOTE→
21A
In the thick of (6)
Starts with A, ends with TAMIDST→
22A
Bring on board (4)
Starts with L, ends with ELADE→
24A
N.A.A.C.P. member?: Abbr. (4)
Starts with A, ends with NASSN→
26A
Disingenuous reply to "Are you asleep?" (3)
Starts with Y, ends with SYES→
27A
"omg rly?!" (5)
Starts with S, ends with YSRSLY→
29A
They may change midflight, in brief (4)
Starts with E, ends with SETAS→
31A
Lays out some green for (4)
Starts with S, ends with SSODS→
34A
Makes a return that hits the net? (6)
Starts with E, ends with SEFILES→
38A
Opposite side (3)
Starts with F, ends with EFOE→
39A
Saints' setting, with "the" (7)
Starts with B, ends with YBIGEASY→
41A
Congestion easer (7)
Starts with N, ends with TNETIPOT→
43A
Coffee spot (3)
Starts with U, ends with NURN→
46A
Fake news (6)
Starts with C, ends with DCANARD→
47A
Best Actress Oscar winner between Chastain and Stone (4)
Starts with Y, ends with HYEOH→
52A
Part of a volcano (3)
Starts with R, ends with MRIM→
54A
Environmental portmanteau (4)
Starts with S, ends with GSMOG→
56A
Greets, in a way (4)
Starts with D, ends with SDAPS→
57A
Prominent feature of Jafar and the Genie in "Aladdin" (6)
Starts with G, ends with EGOATEE→
60A
Villanelle, e.g. (4)
Starts with P, ends with MPOEM→
62A
Advocatus ___ (3)
Starts with D, ends with IDEI→
63A
"Tell me about it!" (15)
Starts with I, ends with GIKNOWTHEFEELING→
66A
Lifestyle for those who go both ways (9)
Starts with B, ends with EBICULTURE→
67A
Senator Jacky of Nevada (5)
Starts with R, ends with NROSEN→
68A
Root crop product (9)
Starts with B, ends with RBEETSUGAR→
69A
Classic pitchers (5)
Starts with E, ends with SEWERS→
Down
1D
Item that's not on the list, say (10)
Starts with I, ends with YIMPULSEBUY→
2D
Shelling (10)
Starts with M, ends with EMORTARFIRE→
3D
Claims not to have known (15)
Starts with P, ends with EPLEADSIGNORANCE→
4D
Many sci-fi villains, informally (3)
Starts with E, ends with SETS→
5D
"Really?" (4)
Starts with I, ends with TISIT→
6D
Creature that transmits sleeping sickness (6)
Starts with T, ends with ETSETSE→
7D
Get-out-of-jail-free card, so to speak (7)
Starts with A, ends with YAMNESTY→
8D
Nurse's tote (3)
Starts with K, ends with TKIT→
9D
10D
Not looking reputable (5)
Starts with S, ends with YSEAMY→
11D
Supporters of L.G.B.T.Q.+ people (6)
Starts with A, ends with SALLIES→
12D
Tropical specimens that can be either flora or fauna (15)
Starts with B, ends with EBIRDSOFPARADISE→
13D
Burden (4)
Starts with O, ends with SONUS→
14D
Elapsed (4)
Starts with W, ends with TWENT→
18D
Like a nonstarter, for short (3)
Starts with D, ends with ADOA→
23D
Woods seen on Broadway (4)
Starts with E, ends with EELLE→
25D
Curry accompaniment (4)
Starts with N, ends with NNAAN→
28D
Pros in Washington (4)
Starts with Y, ends with SYEAS→
30D
What some articles are written on (4)
Starts with S, ends with CSPEC→
32D
Device in many a garage (10)
Starts with D, ends with RDOOROPENER→
33D
Play pieces? (10)
Starts with S, ends with SSETDESIGNS→
35D
Former Medicare IDs (4)
Starts with S, ends with SSSNS→
37D
Mode, for one (4)
Starts with S, ends with TSTAT→
40D
Choking cause, with "the" (4)
Starts with Y, ends with SYIPS→
42D
Very clear, as a telecast (4)
Starts with I, ends with DINHD→
45D
Oil alternative (7)
Starts with T, ends with ATEMPERA→
48D
Strongly criticize, with "at" (6)
Starts with H, ends with THITOUT→
50D
Bass player (6)
Starts with W, ends with RWOOFER→
53D
Whimpers like a baby (5)
Starts with M, ends with SMEWLS→
55D
"Who knew?!" (3)
Starts with G, ends with EGEE→
57D
Brothers ___ (pop stars of the 1960s-80s) (4)
Starts with G, ends with BGIBB→
58D
Many a classic Steinbeck character (4)
Starts with O, ends with EOKIE→
59D
Dramatic "Not you, too?" (4)
Starts with E, ends with UETTU→
61D
Nothing but (4)
Starts with M, ends with EMERE→
64D
Hold close (3)
Starts with H, ends with GHUG→
65D
Bass or base (3)
Starts with L, ends with WLOW→
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 July 3, 2026?+
72 clues: 36 Across and 36 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Barbara Lin and edited by Will Shortz.
What are some answers in today’s NYT Crossword?+
For example: Bank of China Tower architect (IMPEI); Accepts accolades onstage, say (TAKESABOW); Loses some hair, e.g. (MOLTS).
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.
