NYT Crossword hints and answer for May 2, 2026
Hints that get gradually more specific, then the answer if you need it. Nothing is revealed until you tap.
Clues64
Across33
Down31
ConstructorHannah Slovut-Einertson
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
Extremely ambitious projects (9)
Starts with M, ends with SMOONSHOTS→
10A
Lifeless (4)
Starts with F, ends with TFLAT→
14A
Bare (9)
Starts with A, ends with LAUNATUREL→
15A
Like the Asian elephant vis-à-vis the African elephant (5)
Starts with R, ends with RRARER→
17A
Handle in a theater (9)
Starts with S, ends with ESTAGENAME→
18A
Women's Basketball Hall-of-Famer ___ Beard (5)
Starts with A, ends with AALANA→
19A
Rests (on) (6)
Starts with H, ends with SHINGES→
20A
Harshest punishment a website can give (8)
Starts with P, ends with NPERMABAN→
22A
Hypnotized (5)
Starts with U, ends with RUNDER→
23A
"Don't look!" (9)
Starts with N, ends with GNOPEEKING→
24A
Walk like a rhino (4)
Starts with P, ends with DPLOD→
25A
Follower of box or bumper (3)
Starts with C, ends with RCAR→
26A
Drops while running, say (5)
Starts with S, ends with TSWEAT→
27A
___ Marzano tomato (3)
Starts with S, ends with NSAN→
28A
"Alice in Zombieland" author ___ Showalter (4)
Starts with G, ends with AGENA→
29A
Giraffes lack them (they have ossicones) (5)
Starts with H, ends with SHORNS→
30A
Summer camp competitions for which teammates dress similarly (9)
Starts with C, ends with SCOLORWARS→
32A
Soft rock (5)
Starts with S, ends with ESHALE→
34A
Minty candy brand (4)
Starts with Y, ends with KYORK→
35A
One wrapping up a meal before eating anything? (3)
Starts with B, ends with ABOA→
38A
When tripled, a response from Hamlet to Polonius (5)
Starts with W, ends with SWORDS→
39A
Winning X or O (3)
Starts with T, ends with ETOE→
40A
Common parade sight (4)
Starts with B, ends with DBAND→
41A
It's here today, but might be gone tomorrow (9)
Starts with L, ends with DLATESTFAD→
43A
Rounded up? (5)
Starts with D, ends with DDOMED→
44A
"Me first ..." (8)
Starts with I, ends with TILLSTART→
45A
Establishment that might have a "buck-a-shuck" promotion (6)
Starts with R, ends with RRAWBAR→
46A
Actress Donovan of "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" (5)
Starts with E, ends with AELISA→
47A
Sign on a convenience store window (9)
Starts with A, ends with EATMINSIDE→
49A
Rotisserie-roasted Turkish dish (5)
Starts with D, ends with RDONER→
50A
Flip (9)
Starts with G, ends with SGOBANANAS→
51A
Joins a union? (4)
Starts with W, ends with SWEDS→
52A
"Moving on ..." (9)
Starts with S, ends with SSOANYWAYS→
Down
1D
Composite numbers? (7)
Starts with M, ends with SMASHUPS→
2D
1994 compilation album for the Red Hot Chili Peppers (7)
Starts with O, ends with AOUTINLA→
3D
How an annoying conversation might go (7)
Starts with O, ends with NONANDON→
4D
Rode, in a way (6)
Starts with N, ends with DNAGGED→
5D
Be in a decision-making position (5)
Starts with S, ends with RSTEER→
6D
"Mulan" antagonists (4)
Starts with H, ends with SHUNS→
7D
"How We Do (Party)" singer Rita (3)
Starts with O, ends with AORA→
8D
Disappearing ink? (15)
Starts with T, ends with OTEMPORARYTATTOO→
9D
Be out (5)
Starts with S, ends with PSLEEP→
10D
Supporting structure (9)
Starts with F, ends with KFRAMEWORK→
11D
Three-peating N.B.A. champs from 2000 to ’02 (8)
Starts with L, ends with SLALAKERS→
12D
Preceder of Sea or horse (7)
Starts with A, ends with NARABIAN→
13D
Residents without a title (7)
Starts with T, ends with STENANTS→
16D
Buzzed (4)
Starts with R, ends with GRANG→
21D
Pass along, online (7)
Starts with R, ends with ERESHARE→
23D
iPod model (4)
Starts with N, ends with ONANO→
25D
Heavenly-sounding instrument also known as a bell-piano (7)
Starts with C, ends with ACELESTA→
28D
Symbols of success (9)
Starts with G, ends with SGOLDSTARS→
30D
Touched lovingly (8)
Starts with C, ends with DCARESSED→
31D
Traditional gift for a fifth anniversary (4)
Starts with W, ends with DWOOD→
32D
Put up with (7)
Starts with S, ends with WSWALLOW→
33D
Call it! (7)
Starts with H, ends with EHOTLINE→
35D
Little girl, in Italian (7)
Starts with B, ends with ABAMBINA→
36D
Brand whose name doubles as instructions for its product (7)
Starts with O, ends with YONEADAY→
37D
Formal speech (7)
Starts with A, ends with SADDRESS→
40D
Cutting tool with an arch (6)
Starts with B, ends with WBOWSAW→
41D
Told a tale (4)
Starts with L, ends with DLIED→
42D
Hand grenades, informally (5)
Starts with F, ends with SFRAGS→
43D
"Full House" father (5)
Starts with D, ends with YDANNY→
45D
Film director Johnson (4)
Starts with R, ends with NRIAN→
48D
Credential for many a C.E.O. (3)
Starts with M, ends with AMBA→
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 May 2, 2026?+
64 clues: 33 Across and 31 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Hannah Slovut-Einertson and edited by Will Shortz.
What are some answers in today’s NYT Crossword?+
For example: Extremely ambitious projects (MOONSHOTS); Lifeless (FLAT); Bare (AUNATUREL).
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.
