NYT Crossword hints and answer for May 9, 2026
Hints that get gradually more specific, then the answer if you need it. Nothing is revealed until you tap.
Clues70
Across35
Down35
ConstructorKatie Hoody
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
Gold meddlers? (10)
Starts with A, ends with SALCHEMISTS→
11A
One making calls on the fly? (4)
Starts with B, ends with DBIRD→
15A
You or me, e.g. (10)
Starts with M, ends with LMEREMORTAL→
16A
___ paratha (potato-filled flatbread) (4)
Starts with A, ends with OALOO→
17A
Exclamation of surprise from a host (10)
Starts with Y, ends with YYOUREEARLY→
18A
Place for a post (4)
Starts with B, ends with GBLOG→
19A
Dr. J, for all of his N.B.A. career (5)
Starts with S, ends with RSIXER→
20A
Perspective (4)
Starts with T, ends with ETAKE→
21A
Husky hellos? (4)
Starts with A, ends with SARFS→
22A
Reached new heights (4)
Starts with G, ends with WGREW→
24A
Low-level clouds (6)
Starts with S, ends with ISTRATI→
26A
Central Plains nation governed by the Nasharo Council (6)
Starts with P, ends with EPAWNEE→
30A
Storage unit (4)
Starts with B, ends with EBYTE→
32A
Portable retirement option (3)
Starts with C, ends with TCOT→
33A
Black-and-white debut of 1912 (4)
Starts with O, ends with OOREO→
34A
Like something no money can buy (4)
Starts with F, ends with EFREE→
36A
Accomplished (5)
Starts with A, ends with TADEPT→
38A
List of qualifications? (15)
Starts with K, ends with EKINDASORTAMAYBE→
41A
Fragrant compound released during fermentation (5)
Starts with E, ends with RESTER→
42A
Pomegranate morsel (4)
Starts with A, ends with LARIL→
43A
Certain razorback (4)
Starts with B, ends with RBOAR→
44A
Letter in Socrates' and Aristotle's names (3)
Starts with R, ends with ORHO→
45A
Still active after all these years (4)
Starts with S, ends with YSPRY→
47A
Looks all over (6)
Starts with S, ends with SSCOURS→
49A
___ paratha (cheese-filled flatbread) (6)
Starts with P, ends with RPANEER→
51A
Great find in the candy aisle, by the sound of it (4)
Starts with S, ends with RSKOR→
53A
Things to let: Abbr. (4)
Starts with A, ends with SAPTS→
54A
"I could be wrong, but ...," for short (4)
Starts with I, ends with OIMHO→
56A
Tropical ring (5)
Starts with A, ends with LATOLL→
62A
2000 parody of a 62-Across (10)
Starts with S, ends with ESCARYMOVIE→
64A
"That's for sure" (4)
Starts with T, ends with ETRUE→
65A
Postponed court date? (10)
Starts with M, ends with EMAKEUPGAME→
66A
No time like the present (4)
Starts with Y, ends with EYORE→
67A
Skirt with a bunch of leaves, perhaps (10)
Starts with S, ends with DSTEAKSALAD→
Down
1D
___ Kitchen, brand of organic foods since 1987 (4)
Starts with A, ends with SAMYS→
2D
Name of a pope and a Roman emperor whose terms of leadership overlapped (4)
Starts with L, ends with ILEOI→
3D
Central point (4)
Starts with C, ends with XCRUX→
4D
"This is for you" (4)
Starts with H, ends with EHERE→
5D
Spring up (6)
Starts with E, ends with EEMERGE→
6D
One of the Three Stooges (3)
Starts with M, ends with EMOE→
7D
Extra hot (5)
Starts with I, ends with EIRATE→
8D
Parlor treat typically served with the first five letters of its name (15)
Starts with S, ends with ESTRAWBERRYSHAKE→
9D
Lecture (4)
Starts with T, ends with KTALK→
10D
Least straightforward, say (6)
Starts with S, ends with TSLYEST→
11D
Weighty subject of some children's books (5)
Starts with B, ends with RBABAR→
12D
Statement that may be followed by a dash (10)
Starts with I, ends with UILLRACEYOU→
13D
Where spirits are high? (10)
Starts with R, ends with RROOFTOPBAR→
14D
Vacationers' hires, perhaps (10)
Starts with D, ends with SDOGSITTERS→
23D
Makes some calls (4)
Starts with R, ends with SREFS→
25D
Kings of Los Angeles, e.g. (4)
Starts with T, ends with MTEAM→
26D
Event at which you hope to get good deals? (10)
Starts with P, ends with YPOKERPARTY→
27D
28D
Traveled to perform (10)
Starts with W, ends with RWENTONTOUR→
29D
Central point (4)
Starts with N, ends with ENODE→
31D
Legendary Himalayan climber (4)
Starts with Y, ends with IYETI→
35D
Sound made by many fans (4)
Starts with R, ends with RROAR→
37D
Clemson's ___ Swinney (winningest head football coach in A.C.C. history) (4)
Starts with D, ends with ODABO→
39D
Bath seat? (4)
Starts with A, ends with EARSE→
40D
Setup for an extra point (4)
Starts with A, ends with OALSO→
46D
Color separators (6)
Starts with P, ends with SPRISMS→
48D
What may slow the pace of some legs in a marathon (6)
Starts with C, ends with SCRAMPS→
50D
Perfume with an accent on its fourth letter (5)
Starts with E, ends with EESTEE→
52D
Won land (5)
Starts with K, ends with AKOREA→
55D
What some bio majors do prep work for (4)
Starts with M, ends with TMCAT→
57D
Garment that once indicated citizenship (4)
Starts with T, ends with ATOGA→
58D
A zero is one (4)
Starts with O, ends with LOVAL→
59D
Kilo follower (4)
Starts with L, ends with ALIMA→
60D
Certification program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, in brief (4)
Starts with L, ends with DLEED→
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 9, 2026?+
70 clues: 35 Across and 35 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Katie Hoody and edited by Will Shortz.
What are some answers in today’s NYT Crossword?+
For example: Gold meddlers? (ALCHEMISTS); One making calls on the fly? (BIRD); You or me, e.g. (MEREMORTAL).
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.
