NYT Crossword hints and answer for November 28, 2025
Hints that get gradually more specific, then the answer if you need it. Nothing is revealed until you tap.
Clues68
Across33
Down35
ConstructorJacob McDermott
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
Pension alternatives, for short (4)
Starts with I, ends with SIRAS→
5A
Hustle (4)
Starts with S, ends with MSCAM→
9A
"Odds are …" (5)
Starts with I, ends with TIDBET→
14A
Drive around the office? (9)
Starts with W, ends with CWORKETHIC→
16A
Actress Watts of "Mulholland Drive" (5)
Starts with N, ends with INAOMI→
17A
Bahamians and Bahrainis (9)
Starts with I, ends with SISLANDERS→
18A
Speedboat's speed (5)
Starts with K, ends with SKNOTS→
19A
Fake account (3)
Starts with L, ends with ELIE→
20A
Dead ends? (4)
Starts with D, ends with SDEES→
21A
James in the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame (4)
Starts with R, ends with KRICK→
22A
Piano études, essentially (7)
Starts with L, ends with SLESSONS→
24A
Not above (7)
Starts with B, ends with HBENEATH→
27A
Trusty (12)
Starts with T, ends with ETRIEDANDTRUE→
29A
Alternative to a fingerprint, maybe (8)
Starts with P, ends with EPASSCODE→
30A
Golfer McIlroy, the first European male to achieve a career Grand Slam (4)
Starts with R, ends with YRORY→
31A
Actress ___ Marsay of Disney+'s "Andor" (4)
Starts with F, ends with EFAYE→
32A
The Jazz, on sports tickers (3)
Starts with U, ends with AUTA→
33A
Coming ___ (4)
Starts with S, ends with NSOON→
34A
Small band (4)
Starts with T, ends with OTRIO→
35A
Jazz pianist with a memorable recording of "Tea for Two" (8)
Starts with A, ends with MARTTATUM→
37A
Plant eater? (12)
Starts with V, ends with PVENUSFLYTRAP→
39A
What the British call people who make crosswords (7)
Starts with S, ends with SSETTERS→
40A
Prepared statement? (7)
Starts with I, ends with YIMREADY→
44A
One-named rock idol who was born Paul David Hewson (4)
Starts with B, ends with OBONO→
45A
Locking horns (4)
Starts with A, ends with TATIT→
46A
Guess alternative (3)
Starts with L, ends with ELEE→
47A
Vegges out (5)
Starts with L, ends with SLOAFS→
49A
Restaurant sommelier's offering (9)
Starts with H, ends with EHOUSEWINE→
51A
Foundational skateboard trick (5)
Starts with O, ends with EOLLIE→
52A
Doesn't exactly ham it up (9)
Starts with U, ends with SUNDERACTS→
53A
Sings (out) (5)
Starts with B, ends with SBELTS→
54A
Stereotypical eye-roller (4)
Starts with T, ends with NTEEN→
55A
Informal get-together (4)
Starts with S, ends with HSESH→
Down
1D
Words of affirmation (5)
Starts with I, ends with LIWILL→
2D
Sam's wife in "The Lord of the Rings" (5)
Starts with R, ends with EROSIE→
3D
Setting of the 1888 painting "Café Terrace at Night" (5)
Starts with A, ends with SARLES→
4D
Genre for Toots and the Maytals (3)
Starts with S, ends with ASKA→
5D
Bishop for whom a neighborhood in Paris is named (7)
Starts with S, ends with SSTDENIS→
6D
Junk food that, ironically, has an exercise in its name (11)
Starts with C, ends with SCHEESECURLS→
8D
Rap figures, for short (3)
Starts with M, ends with SMCS→
9D
Similarly (6)
Starts with I, ends with DINKIND→
10D
Flash mob group, perhaps (11)
Starts with D, ends with EDANCETROUPE→
11D
Decide where to stay (9)
Starts with B, ends with MBOOKAROOM→
12D
One wearing the Star of Life emblem, for short (3)
Starts with E, ends with TEMT→
13D
"Quite so" (3)
Starts with T, ends with STIS→
15D
Back in the race? (7)
Starts with E, ends with EENDORSE→
21D
French name meaning "born again" (4)
Starts with R, ends with ERENE→
23D
"Mind your own beeswax!" (11)
Starts with S, ends with TSTAYOUTOFIT→
24D
It's not constructive (11)
Starts with B, ends with EBADATTITUDE→
25D
Game division (4)
Starts with T, ends with NTURN→
26D
"I saw that!" (3)
Starts with H, ends with YHEY→
28D
Eccentric (5)
Starts with D, ends with YDOTTY→
29D
Colorful capsule that splatters (9)
Starts with P, ends with LPAINTBALL→
31D
Like samples (4)
Starts with F, ends with EFREE→
33D
Appetizer (7)
Starts with S, ends with RSTARTER→
34D
Anchors might be seen on them (3)
Starts with T, ends with STVS→
35D
___-Latino (4)
Starts with A, ends with OAFRO→
36D
Funny Fred (7)
Starts with A, ends with NARMISEN→
38D
Picks up (6)
Starts with S, ends with SSENSES→
41D
42D
Some hailstone "souvenirs" (5)
Starts with D, ends with SDENTS→
43D
"Oof, sounds terrible!" (5)
Starts with Y, ends with HYEESH→
45D
Top-tier (4)
Starts with A, ends with EAONE→
47D
Softball question (3)
Starts with L, ends with BLOB→
48D
José ___ (Mexican food brand) (3)
Starts with O, ends with EOLE→
49D
Humble dwelling (3)
Starts with H, ends with THUT→
50D
Served as (3)
Starts with W, ends with SWAS→
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 November 28, 2025?+
68 clues: 33 Across and 35 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Jacob McDermott and edited by Will Shortz.
What are some answers in today’s NYT Crossword?+
For example: Pension alternatives, for short (IRAS); Hustle (SCAM); "Odds are …" (IDBET).
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.
