NYT Crossword hints and answer for May 5, 2026
Hints that get gradually more specific, then the answer if you need it. Nothing is revealed until you tap.
Clues79
Across37
Down42
ConstructorMax Schlenker
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
Tried-and-true choice, informally (4)
Starts with G, ends with OGOTO→
5A
It's perfect for some musicians (5)
Starts with P, ends with HPITCH→
10A
Motorcyclist's invitation (5)
Starts with H, ends with NHOPON→
15A
Asia's shrinking ___ Sea (4)
Starts with A, ends with LARAL→
16A
Ruckus (5)
Starts with H, ends with AHOOHA→
17A
Where Boise is (5)
Starts with I, ends with OIDAHO→
18A
It's a piece of cake (10)
Starts with L, ends with RLADYFINGER→
20A
Computer geeks (5)
Starts with T, ends with STECHS→
21A
Source of some South American wool (5)
Starts with L, ends with ALLAMA→
22A
Alaska politico Palin (5)
Starts with S, ends with HSARAH→
24A
___-Ball (4)
Starts with S, ends with ESKEE→
25A
Alternative to a Word doc (3)
Starts with P, ends with FPDF→
27A
It's child's play (9)
Starts with S, ends with SSIMONSAYS→
29A
Glassblower, e.g. (7)
Starts with A, ends with NARTISAN→
33A
One of three statistical averages (4)
Starts with M, ends with NMEAN→
34A
M.L.B. stadium demolished in 2009 (4)
Starts with S, ends with ASHEA→
35A
Ones always blowing off steam? (7)
Starts with K, ends with SKETTLES→
39A
Altar promise (3)
Starts with I, ends with OIDO→
42A
It's a no-brainer (16)
Starts with H, ends with NHEADLESSHORSEMAN→
45A
Starchy tuber (3)
Starts with Y, ends with MYAM→
46A
2016 Ariana Grande love song (7)
Starts with I, ends with UINTOYOU→
47A
Drug buster (4)
Starts with N, ends with CNARC→
48A
Heavy, spiked club (4)
Starts with M, ends with EMACE→
50A
Bared one's teeth, say (7)
Starts with S, ends with DSNARLED→
52A
It's a breeze (9)
Starts with T, ends with DTRADEWIND→
57A
___-fi (3)
Starts with S, ends with ISCI→
58A
Sudden or impulsive, as a decision (4)
Starts with R, ends with HRASH→
59A
Lipstick blunder (5)
Starts with S, ends with RSMEAR→
61A
Intermittently offered fast-food pork sandwich (5)
Starts with M, ends with BMCRIB→
65A
Oscars host, e.g. (5)
Starts with E, ends with EEMCEE→
67A
It's a walk in the park (10)
Starts with N, ends with ENATUREHIKE→
69A
Abandon prematurely, as a mission (5)
Starts with A, ends with TABORT→
70A
Piano exercise (5)
Starts with E, ends with EETUDE→
71A
Fencing blade (4)
Starts with E, ends with EEPEE→
72A
"OMG, same!" (5)
Starts with T, ends with STOTES→
73A
About 50.7% of all Americans (5)
Starts with W, ends with NWOMEN→
74A
Like typical communicators in sign language (4)
Starts with D, ends with FDEAF→
Down
1D
Effrontery (4)
Starts with G, ends with LGALL→
2D
Not in writing, as an exam (4)
Starts with O, ends with LORAL→
3D
Magician's "Look what I did!" (4)
Starts with T, ends with ATADA→
4D
International competition in math, science and other disciplines (8)
Starts with O, ends with DOLYMPIAD→
5D
Greek letter that looks like an "O" superimposed with an "I" (3)
Starts with P, ends with IPHI→
6D
Charged particles (4)
Starts with I, ends with SIONS→
7D
Roman robes (5)
Starts with T, ends with STOGAS→
8D
French sweetheart (5)
Starts with C, ends with ICHERI→
9D
Prohibited in Islam (5)
Starts with H, ends with MHARAM→
10D
Chart-topper (3)
Starts with H, ends with THIT→
11D
Texas setting for 2004's "Friday Night Lights" (6)
Starts with O, ends with AODESSA→
12D
Mule or burro (10)
Starts with P, ends with LPACKANIMAL→
13D
"Fancy seeing you here!" (5)
Starts with O, ends with YOHHEY→
14D
They may be counted when taking attendance (5)
Starts with N, ends with SNOSES→
19D
Bell-bottom jeans and pet rocks, in the 1970s (4)
Starts with F, ends with SFADS→
23D
Undeniable successes (8)
Starts with H, ends with SHOMERUNS→
26D
Media misinformation (8)
Starts with F, ends with SFAKENEWS→
28D
Loch ___ monster (4)
Starts with N, ends with SNESS→
29D
Like a campfire by morning, typically (4)
Starts with A, ends with YASHY→
30D
Flightless bird from South America (4)
Starts with R, ends with ARHEA→
31D
Figure in a school pep rally (10)
Starts with T, ends with TTEAMMASCOT→
32D
Empty ___ (home after the kids go off to college) (4)
Starts with N, ends with TNEST→
36D
Chinese general on a menu (3)
Starts with T, ends with OTSO→
37D
"___ will be done" (3)
Starts with T, ends with YTHY→
38D
English facilities (4)
Starts with L, ends with SLOOS→
40D
"Don't you ___!" (4)
Starts with D, ends with EDARE→
41D
How much 1990s music was issued (4)
Starts with O, ends with DONCD→
43D
Pet pests (4)
Starts with L, ends with ELICE→
44D
Having added nutrients (8)
Starts with E, ends with DENRICHED→
49D
Obey, with "to" (6)
Starts with A, ends with EADHERE→
52D
Pay for at a restaurant, say (5)
Starts with T, ends with TTREAT→
53D
Title role for Sylvester Stallone (5)
Starts with R, ends with ORAMBO→
54D
"This is my first day on the job" (5)
Starts with I, ends with WIMNEW→
55D
"Groovy" (5)
Starts with N, ends with ONEATO→
56D
Unit of information (5)
Starts with D, ends with MDATUM→
60D
Like checking a dating app while you're on a date (4)
Starts with R, ends with ERUDE→
62D
Fully matured (4)
Starts with R, ends with ERIPE→
63D
Swedish furniture supplier (4)
Starts with I, ends with AIKEA→
64D
Complaint, informally (4)
Starts with B, ends with FBEEF→
66D
Arrivals in the 2016 thriller "Arrival," in brief (3)
Starts with E, ends with SETS→
68D
___ Faire (historical event) (3)
Starts with R, ends with NREN→
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 5, 2026?+
79 clues: 37 Across and 42 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Max Schlenker and edited by Will Shortz.
What are some answers in today’s NYT Crossword?+
For example: Tried-and-true choice, informally (GOTO); It's perfect for some musicians (PITCH); Motorcyclist's invitation (HOPON).
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.
