NYT Crossword hints and answer for May 6, 2026
Hints that get gradually more specific, then the answer if you need it. Nothing is revealed until you tap.
Clues78
Across37
Down41
ConstructorJames Mattina
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
Don't believe it (3)
Starts with L, ends with ELIE→
4A
Soccer great Mia (4)
Starts with H, ends with MHAMM→
8A
Prepared (for) (6)
Starts with B, ends with DBRACED→
14A
Feature of a spy film (8)
Starts with I, ends with EINTRIGUE→
16A
Scalper's transaction (6)
Starts with R, ends with ERESALE→
17A
Prairie bloom for which a creamery is named (8)
Starts with B, ends with LBLUEBELL→
18A
DC good guy (6)
Starts with B, ends with NBATMAN→
19A
They're found in a circle (5)
Starts with R, ends with IRADII→
20A
Dispensary inits. (3)
Starts with C, ends with DCBD→
22A
Late spring or early summer bloom (5)
Starts with P, ends with YPEONY→
23A
Leave speechless (3)
Starts with A, ends with EAWE→
24A
Texter's "I can't even" (3)
Starts with S, ends with HSMH→
26A
In perpetuity (4)
Starts with E, ends with REVER→
28A
Winter coat? (3)
Starts with I, ends with EICE→
29A
Narrow margin of victory (4)
Starts with H, ends with RHAIR→
30A
Lunchbox staple, informally (3)
Starts with P, ends with JPBJ→
33A
All primes except 2 (10)
Starts with O, ends with SODDNUMBERS→
37A
Country nearest to the Equator without touching it (4)
Starts with P, ends with UPERU→
38A
40A
"Stop right there!" (4)
Starts with H, ends with THALT→
41A
"Great Scott!" (10)
Starts with H, ends with OHOLYTOLEDO→
42A
Bird adapted for silent flight (3)
Starts with O, ends with LOWL→
43A
Charging option (4)
Starts with V, ends with AVISA→
44A
Deciding periods, in brief (3)
Starts with O, ends with SOTS→
45A
Airdrops? (4)
Starts with M, ends with TMIST→
46A
[I'm a good boy!] (3)
Starts with A, ends with FARF→
47A
Summer cooler (3)
Starts with A, ends with EADE→
50A
Movement started by Tarana Burke in 2006 (5)
Starts with M, ends with OMETOO→
55A
Philosopher William of ___ (5)
Starts with O, ends with MOCCAM→
57A
Become part of a club (6)
Starts with E, ends with LENROLL→
59A
___ method (type of teaching) (8)
Starts with S, ends with CSOCRATIC→
61A
Bloom whose toxic nectar is one source of "mad honey" (6)
Starts with A, ends with AAZALEA→
62A
Flower found along a metaphorical path of ease (8)
Starts with P, ends with EPRIMROSE→
63A
A bad review might merit a rotten one (6)
Starts with T, ends with OTOMATO→
64A
Like some advice (4)
Starts with S, ends with ESAGE→
65A
Manhattan liquor (3)
Starts with R, ends with ERYE→
Down
1D
First sign of fall (5)
Starts with L, ends with ALIBRA→
2D
Family tree addition (5)
Starts with I, ends with WINLAW→
3D
One of 12 in a Pulitzer-winning piece by composer/pianist William Bolcom (5)
Starts with E, ends with EETUDE→
4D
Blossom in a lei (8)
Starts with H, ends with SHIBISCUS→
5D
Period in history (3)
Starts with A, ends with EAGE→
6D
Bed cover (5)
Starts with M, ends with HMULCH→
7D
Scary Spice, by another nickname (4)
Starts with M, ends with BMELB→
8D
Texter's "just a sec" (3)
Starts with B, ends with BBRB→
9D
Harvesting machine (6)
Starts with R, ends with RREAPER→
10D
Cousin of edelweiss (5)
Starts with A, ends with RASTER→
11D
Pattern based on nature, for short (4)
Starts with C, ends with OCAMO→
12D
Stylish flair (4)
Starts with E, ends with NELAN→
13D
Turn down (4)
Starts with D, ends with YDENY→
15D
King, in Portuguese (3)
Starts with R, ends with IREI→
21D
First word from a wedding officiant (6)
Starts with D, ends with YDEARLY→
25D
Home of the Stax Museum of American Soul Music (7)
Starts with M, ends with SMEMPHIS→
27D
Alice, in Wonderland (7)
Starts with V, ends with RVISITOR→
28D
Part of M.I.T.: Abbr. (4)
Starts with I, ends with TINST→
29D
Very, slangily (5)
Starts with H, ends with AHELLA→
30D
Politician Buttigieg (4)
Starts with P, ends with EPETE→
31D
Partner of born (4)
Starts with B, ends with DBRED→
32D
Sport with throws (4)
Starts with J, ends with OJUDO→
33D
Siete + uno (4)
Starts with O, ends with OOCHO→
34D
Cry in a gunfight (4)
Starts with D, ends with WDRAW→
35D
Cutie pie (4)
Starts with D, ends with LDOLL→
36D
Gives a lift (6)
Starts with B, ends with SBOOSTS→
37D
Besties (4)
Starts with P, ends with SPALS→
39D
"I'll pass" (8)
Starts with N, ends with ENOTFORME→
43D
Flower found at the end of a rainbow? (6)
Starts with V, ends with TVIOLET→
45D
Cold, hard cash (5)
Starts with M, ends with AMOOLA→
46D
Ancient marketplace (5)
Starts with A, ends with AAGORA→
47D
Company man? (5)
Starts with A, ends with RACTOR→
48D
"Link" in a botanical chain (5)
Starts with D, ends with YDAISY→
49D
Play the host (5)
Starts with E, ends with EEMCEE→
50D
Nitty-gritty (4)
Starts with M, ends with TMEAT→
51D
Automaker Ferrari (4)
Starts with E, ends with OENZO→
52D
Airport transport (4)
Starts with T, ends with MTRAM→
54D
Some vipers (4)
Starts with A, ends with SASPS→
56D
Viper, e.g. (3)
Starts with C, ends with RCAR→
58D
Language of Vientiane (3)
Starts with L, ends with OLAO→
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 6, 2026?+
78 clues: 37 Across and 41 Down. The puzzle was constructed by James Mattina and edited by Will Shortz.
What are some answers in today’s NYT Crossword?+
For example: Don't believe it (LIE); Soccer great Mia (HAMM); Prepared (for) (BRACED).
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.
