NYT Crossword hints and answer for October 3, 2026
Hints that get gradually more specific, then the answer if you need it. Nothing is revealed until you tap.
Clues70
Across34
Down36
ConstructorKameron Austin Collins
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
Five-note jingle for "The Gift That Grows" (10)
Starts with C, ends with ACHCHCHCHIA→
11A
Tech news site (4)
Starts with C, ends with TCNET→
15A
Message that comes with a pointer (10)
Starts with Y, ends with EYOUAREHERE→
16A
Symbol of love (4)
Starts with R, ends with EROSE→
17A
Changes in form, but not in essence (10)
Starts with S, ends with SSUBLIMATES→
18A
To: Abbr. (4)
Starts with A, ends with NATTN→
19A
Cookie, e.g. (7)
Starts with T, ends with RTRACKER→
20A
Question in a stalemate (7)
Starts with N, ends with TNOWWHAT→
23A
"Show some manners!" (8)
Starts with B, ends with EBEPOLITE→
24A
Classic Harlem ballroom (5)
Starts with S, ends with YSAVOY→
27A
Get one's hands on, informally (3)
Starts with C, ends with PCOP→
28A
Did a boring job? (5)
Starts with M, ends with DMINED→
29A
Hot environment (4)
Starts with O, ends with NOVEN→
30A
Throwing weapons for the Dark Knight (9)
Starts with B, ends with SBATARANGS→
33A
Indie music's ___ Iver (3)
Starts with B, ends with NBON→
34A
Sword's alternative (3)
Starts with P, ends with NPEN→
35A
Chinese steamed bun (3)
Starts with B, ends with OBAO→
37A
Supplementary materials accompanying a home movie purchase (9)
Starts with D, ends with SDVDEXTRAS→
41A
Trap in the water (5)
Starts with C, ends with LCREEL→
42A
Catches (3)
Starts with H, ends with SHAS→
43A
Ticket selector (5)
Starts with V, ends with RVOTER→
44A
Thorough, say (8)
Starts with D, ends with DDETAILED→
46A
Rihanna's "Take a ___" (2008) (3)
Starts with B, ends with WBOW→
47A
(The) shaft, so to speak (7)
Starts with R, ends with LRAWDEAL→
48A
Not all there upstairs? (7)
Starts with B, ends with HBALDISH→
52A
Some altarations? (4)
Starts with I, ends with SIDOS→
53A
Burkina Faso, before 1984 (10)
Starts with U, ends with AUPPERVOLTA→
55A
Captain in Melville's "Billy Budd" (4)
Starts with V, ends with EVERE→
56A
Renowned naturalist buried at Rwanda's Karisoke Research Center (10)
Starts with D, ends with YDIANFOSSEY→
57A
Singing sister of Aretha (4)
Starts with E, ends with AERMA→
58A
Nervously inhales? (10)
Starts with S, ends with SSTRESSEATS→
Down
1D
Target for surgical excision (4)
Starts with C, ends with TCYST→
3D
Country where the game of dominoes is a national pastime (4)
Starts with C, ends with ACUBA→
4D
Characterized by great happiness (7)
Starts with H, ends with NHALCYON→
5D
"Sheesh!" (6)
Starts with C, ends with YCRIKEY→
6D
Mr. Universe contestants (5)
Starts with H, ends with NHEMEN→
8D
All worked (up) (3)
Starts with H, ends with THET→
9D
Greek actress who brought Elektra, Penelope, Antigone and Helen of Troy to the screen (10)
Starts with I, ends with SIRENEPAPAS→
10D
Man who made animals talk (5)
Starts with A, ends with PAESOP→
11D
Stumble home after a night out, say (7)
Starts with C, ends with NCRAWLIN→
12D
Just (10)
Starts with N, ends with TNOTHINGBUT→
13D
Something you may be willing to hold? (10)
Starts with E, ends with EESTATESALE→
14D
Camped out, say (6)
Starts with T, ends with DTENTED→
21D
Maya Angelou's "Phenomenal ___" (5)
Starts with W, ends with NWOMAN→
23D
Fake poster (3)
Starts with B, ends with TBOT→
24D
"___ of Frankenstein" (1939 movie sequel) (3)
Starts with S, ends with NSON→
25D
Person who gets a lot of texts? (10)
Starts with A, ends with RAVIDREADER→
26D
Sluglike creature known for its soft, water-repellent skin (10)
Starts with V, ends with MVELVETWORM→
27D
Has no control (10)
Starts with C, ends with TCANTHELPIT→
30D
Word with shadow or shoe (3)
Starts with B, ends with XBOX→
31D
Lo-___ (3)
Starts with R, ends with SRES→
33D
Contradict (5)
Starts with B, ends with EBELIE→
36D
Abba's "___ Last Summer" (3)
Starts with O, ends with ROUR→
38D
Outlet for the Jordan River (7)
Starts with D, ends with ADEADSEA→
39D
Super-keen (3)
Starts with R, ends with DRAD→
40D
Weak amount of medicine (7)
Starts with L, ends with ELOWDOSE→
41D
Primary PC storage (6)
Starts with C, ends with ECDRIVE→
43D
EX30, EX40 and XC60 (6)
Starts with V, ends with SVOLVOS→
45D
Praises (5)
Starts with L, ends with SLAUDS→
46D
Fails to keep things down (5)
Starts with B, ends with SBARFS→
48D
Nota ___ (4)
Starts with B, ends with EBENE→
49D
Classic film character who says "Kiss me. Kiss me as if it were the last time" (4)
Starts with I, ends with AILSA→
50D
Proofreader's command (4)
Starts with S, ends with TSTET→
51D
Kansas' Fort ___ (4)
Starts with H, ends with SHAYS→
54D
Swinger's goal, perhaps (3)
Starts with P, ends with RPAR→
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 October 3, 2026?+
70 clues: 34 Across and 36 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Kameron Austin Collins and edited by Will Shortz.
What are some answers in today’s NYT Crossword?+
For example: Five-note jingle for "The Gift That Grows" (CHCHCHCHIA); Tech news site (CNET); Message that comes with a pointer (YOUAREHERE).
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.
