NYT Crossword hints and answer for May 20, 2026
Hints that get gradually more specific, then the answer if you need it. Nothing is revealed until you tap.
Clues70
Across31
Down39
ConstructorKathleen Duncan
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
Establishment that serves zombies, perhaps (7)
Starts with T, ends with RTIKIBAR→
8A
Adorn with raised lettering (6)
Starts with E, ends with SEMBOSS→
14A
"Drink" for vocal critics (8)
Starts with H, ends with EHATERADE→
15A
European city that "waits for you," in a Billy Joel tune (6)
Starts with V, ends with AVIENNA→
16A
Nontraditional time for voting someone into office (15)
Starts with O, ends with NOFFYEARELECTION→
18A
Redding who sang "(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay" (4)
Starts with O, ends with SOTIS→
19A
God played by Anthony Hopkins in Marvel movies (4)
Starts with O, ends with NODIN→
20A
Church cross (4)
Starts with R, ends with DROOD→
21A
Florence-based fashion house (5)
Starts with G, ends with IGUCCI→
24A
Takes back a public statement (7)
Starts with R, ends with SRECANTS→
26A
What a waiter might offer to start you off (12)
Starts with S, ends with YSOUPOFTHEDAY→
29A
Make a boo-boo (3)
Starts with E, ends with RERR→
30A
___ contendere (court plea) (4)
Starts with N, ends with ONOLO→
35A
Biting (5)
Starts with A, ends with BACERB→
37A
___ Kippur (3)
Starts with Y, ends with MYOM→
39A
Actress Bow of the silent film era (5)
Starts with C, ends with ACLARA→
40A
Light show tool (5)
Starts with L, ends with RLASER→
41A
TV personality Kotb (4)
Starts with H, ends with AHODA→
44A
Bit of movie magic (12)
Starts with V, ends with TVISUALEFFECT→
48A
"Essential" product used as an anti-acne treatment (7)
Starts with S, ends with LSAGEOIL→
51A
Take ___ of faith (5)
Starts with A, ends with PALEAP→
52A
Place for a seafood dinner (4)
Starts with P, ends with RPIER→
53A
Classic Pontiacs (4)
Starts with G, ends with SGTOS→
55A
Arcing tennis shots (4)
Starts with L, ends with SLOBS→
58A
62A
John in the sketch "The Fish-Slapping Dance" (6)
Starts with C, ends with ECLEESE→
63A
"Seems right," folksily (8)
Starts with R, ends with ORECKONSO→
64A
Words a teenager might say with an eye roll (6)
Starts with Y, ends with DYESDAD→
65A
Says OK (7)
Starts with A, ends with SASSENTS→
Down
1D
Mustachioed president who succeeded another mustachioed president in 1909 (4)
Starts with T, ends with TTAFT→
2D
"Don't know why I thought any different!" (9)
Starts with I, ends with SITFIGURES→
3D
Gets hyped (6)
Starts with K, ends with PKEYSUP→
5D
Farmyard bleat (3)
Starts with B, ends with ABAA→
6D
With deftness (8)
Starts with A, ends with YADROITLY→
7D
Clarinet, for one (4)
Starts with R, ends with DREED→
8D
Made level (6)
Starts with E, ends with DEVENED→
9D
Careful, this might be hot! (3)
Starts with M, ends with CMIC→
10D
Act of Judas (8)
Starts with B, ends with LBETRAYAL→
11D
Word with ring or roll (5)
Starts with O, ends with NONION→
12D
Hoity-toity one (5)
Starts with S, ends with TSNOOT→
13D
Smooths, in a way (5)
Starts with S, ends with SSANDS→
14D
"___ boy!" (3)
Starts with H, ends with OHOO→
17D
Old Italian money (4)
Starts with L, ends with ELIRE→
22D
Musical notation that means "with vigor" (7)
Starts with C, ends with OCONBRIO→
23D
Boardroom bigwig, in brief (3)
Starts with C, ends with OCFO→
25D
Spot to drink a matcha with a Manx (7)
Starts with C, ends with ECATCAFE→
26D
Ocean prey for a 27-Down (4)
Starts with S, ends with LSEAL→
27D
Ocean predator of a 26-Down (4)
Starts with O, ends with AORCA→
28D
Big to-do (5)
Starts with H, ends with AHOOHA→
32D
Be in charge, informally (9)
Starts with T, ends with TTAKEPOINT→
33D
Protagonist of "That ’70s Show" (4)
Starts with E, ends with CERIC→
34D
Speech full of invective (4)
Starts with R, ends with TRANT→
36D
Went back (to), as a prior state (8)
Starts with R, ends with DREVERTED→
38D
Epitome of slowness (8)
Starts with M, ends with SMOLASSES→
42D
Director Guillermo ___ Toro (3)
Starts with D, ends with LDEL→
45D
Expressed frustration, maybe (6)
Starts with S, ends with DSIGHED→
46D
Beauty company whose Nasdaq ticker symbol is its name (4)
Starts with U, ends with AULTA→
47D
Atlanta athlete (6)
Starts with F, ends with NFALCON→
48D
Risqué (5)
Starts with S, ends with YSPICY→
49D
Walkway for newlyweds (5)
Starts with A, ends with EAISLE→
50D
They're part of what makes you you (5)
Starts with G, ends with SGENES→
54D
"___ Noche en Miami" (Bad Bunny song) (4)
Starts with O, ends with AOTRA→
56D
Low voice (4)
Starts with B, ends with SBASS→
57D
___-mo (3)
Starts with S, ends with OSLO→
59D
Org. whose staffers wear royal blue uniforms (3)
Starts with T, ends with ATSA→
60D
Lenovo products, informally (3)
Starts with P, ends with SPCS→
61D
Just get (by) (3)
Starts with E, ends with EEKE→
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 20, 2026?+
70 clues: 31 Across and 39 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Kathleen Duncan and edited by Will Shortz.
What are some answers in today’s NYT Crossword?+
For example: Establishment that serves zombies, perhaps (TIKIBAR); Adorn with raised lettering (EMBOSS); "Drink" for vocal critics (HATERADE).
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.
