NYT Crossword hints and answer for May 26, 2025
Hints that get gradually more specific, then the answer if you need it. Nothing is revealed until you tap.
Clues76
Across37
Down39
ConstructorAri Halpern
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
Ran, as colors in the wash (4)
Starts with B, ends with DBLED→
5A
One of four on most molars (4)
Starts with C, ends with PCUSP→
13A
Overhaul (4)
Starts with R, ends with OREDO→
14A
Where India and Indonesia are (4)
Starts with A, ends with AASIA→
15A
Choir member (4)
Starts with A, ends with OALTO→
16A
1999 sports drama co-starring Al Pacino (14)
Starts with A, ends with YANYGIVENSUNDAY→
19A
Fiber-rich fruits (4)
Starts with F, ends with SFIGS→
20A
The "p" of r.p.m. (3)
Starts with P, ends with RPER→
21A
Preps for a sports competition (6)
Starts with T, ends with STRAINS→
22A
Sinusitis doc (3)
Starts with E, ends with TENT→
23A
What the "E" stands for in 22-Across (3)
Starts with E, ends with REAR→
24A
Born and ___ (4)
Starts with B, ends with DBRED→
25A
1973 marital drama co-starring Elizabeth Taylor (12)
Starts with A, ends with YASHWEDNESDAY→
30A
T-bone or porterhouse (5)
Starts with S, ends with KSTEAK→
31A
Unexpected blessing (4)
Starts with B, ends with NBOON→
32A
Super Mario Bros. console (3)
Starts with N, ends with SNES→
35A
Take care of, as a bar (4)
Starts with T, ends with DTEND→
36A
Firmly declares (5)
Starts with A, ends with SAVOWS→
38A
"___ we forget ..." (4)
Starts with L, ends with TLEST→
39A
Texting tech, in brief (3)
Starts with S, ends with SSMS→
40A
TLC or ZZ Top, e.g. (4)
Starts with T, ends with OTRIO→
41A
Around, as in dates (5)
Starts with C, ends with ACIRCA→
42A
2003 fantasy comedy co-starring Lindsay Lohan (12)
Starts with F, ends with YFREAKYFRIDAY→
45A
Not at home (4)
Starts with A, ends with YAWAY→
47A
___ Raisman, six-time medalist in Olympic gymnastics (3)
Starts with A, ends with YALY→
49A
Security devices (6)
Starts with A, ends with SALARMS→
51A
Point of no return? (3)
Starts with A, ends with EACE→
52A
Oft-used plaything on snow days (4)
Starts with S, ends with DSLED→
53A
1970s-'80s TV staple ... or a hint to 16-, 25- and 42-Across (14)
Starts with M, ends with KMOVIEOFTHEWEEK→
56A
Subsequently (4)
Starts with T, ends with NTHEN→
57A
Locale of an arch and sole (4)
Starts with F, ends with TFOOT→
58A
Meanie (4)
Starts with O, ends with EOGRE→
59A
Actress Gilbert (4)
Starts with S, ends with ASARA→
60A
The Venus de Milo's missing body parts (4)
Starts with A, ends with SARMS→
61A
Like some fiber-rich cereals (4)
Starts with O, ends with YOATY→
Down
1D
Body part connecting the cerebrum to the spinal cord (9)
Starts with B, ends with MBRAINSTEM→
2D
Stretches out (9)
Starts with L, ends with SLENGTHENS→
3D
"Grand" ice cream brand (4)
Starts with E, ends with SEDYS→
4D
Hound, in two ways (3)
Starts with D, ends with GDOG→
5D
Stalactite site (6)
Starts with C, ends with NCAVERN→
6D
___ experience (4)
Starts with U, ends with RUSER→
7D
Topic for an evangelical preacher (3)
Starts with S, ends with NSIN→
8D
History (4)
Starts with P, ends with TPAST→
9D
Melodious yellow bird (6)
Starts with C, ends with YCANARY→
10D
Tune from way back (5)
Starts with O, ends with EOLDIE→
11D
Counterpart of sit (5)
Starts with S, ends with DSTAND→
12D
Santa's bagful (4)
Starts with T, ends with STOYS→
17D
Tablet debut of 2010 (4)
Starts with I, ends with DIPAD→
18D
City-related (5)
Starts with U, ends with NURBAN→
19D
Thanksgiving or Easter spreads (6)
Starts with F, ends with SFEASTS→
23D
"A mouse!" (3)
Starts with E, ends with KEEK→
26D
Bunch of dollar bills, say (3)
Starts with W, ends with DWAD→
27D
Kindle download, e.g. (5)
Starts with E, ends with KEBOOK→
28D
Scatter, as seeds (3)
Starts with S, ends with WSOW→
29D
MS-___ (early PC platform) (3)
Starts with D, ends with SDOS→
32D
"Look at this guy spouting useless trivia!" (9)
Starts with N, ends with TNERDALERT→
33D
Aid for getting out of a computer jam (9)
Starts with E, ends with YESCAPEKEY→
34D
Didn't go (6)
Starts with S, ends with DSTAYED→
36D
"What ___ you up to these days?" (3)
Starts with A, ends with EARE→
37D
By way of (3)
Starts with V, ends with AVIA→
38D
52, in old Rome (3)
Starts with L, ends with ILII→
40D
"Go ahead, ask" (5)
Starts with T, ends with ETRYME→
42D
Hot breakfast bowlful (6)
Starts with F, ends with AFARINA→
43D
Billionaires' boats (6)
Starts with Y, ends with SYACHTS→
44D
Get out of Dodge (4)
Starts with F, ends with EFLEE→
45D
"Hi," in Hilo (5)
Starts with A, ends with AALOHA→
46D
Show indecision (5)
Starts with W, ends with RWAVER→
49D
Quantities: Abbr. (4)
Starts with A, ends with SAMTS→
50D
Seat with cushions (4)
Starts with S, ends with ASOFA→
51D
Chemistry 101 topic (4)
Starts with A, ends with MATOM→
52D
Gaming company that created Sonic the Hedgehog (4)
Starts with S, ends with ASEGA→
54D
Not against (3)
Starts with F, ends with RFOR→
55D
Pursue romantically (3)
Starts with W, ends with OWOO→
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 26, 2025?+
76 clues: 37 Across and 39 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Ari Halpern and edited by Will Shortz.
What are some answers in today’s NYT Crossword?+
For example: Ran, as colors in the wash (BLED); One of four on most molars (CUSP); Fee (COST).
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.
