NYT Crossword hints and answer for September 22, 2026
Hints that get gradually more specific, then the answer if you need it. Nothing is revealed until you tap.
Clues72
Across31
Down41
ConstructorErik Agard
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
Makes a sullen face (5)
Starts with P, ends with SPOUTS→
6A
Beetle amulet in ancient Egypt (6)
Starts with S, ends with BSCARAB→
12A
Sudden and unexpected (6)
Starts with A, ends with TABRUPT→
14A
Was overprotective, in a way (7)
Starts with H, ends with DHOVERED→
16A
___ algebra (6)
Starts with L, ends with RLINEAR→
17A
Still in its packaging (8)
Starts with U, ends with DUNOPENED→
19A
50/52-Across musician (12)
Starts with S, ends with RSTEVIEWONDER→
21A
#1 hit from 50/52-Across ("You can feel it all over") (7)
Starts with S, ends with ESIRDUKE→
24A
Like a scratchy voice (5)
Starts with R, ends with YRASPY→
25A
Best possible (5)
Starts with I, ends with LIDEAL→
26A
Billionaires' boats (6)
Starts with Y, ends with SYACHTS→
30A
Resident of Africa's fourth-largest country (6)
Starts with L, ends with NLIBYAN→
32A
Secrecy contracts, in brief (4)
Starts with N, ends with SNDAS→
33A
Name that's a body part backward (3)
Starts with R, ends with ERAE→
36A
Obligation (4)
Starts with O, ends with SONUS→
37A
#1 hit from 50/52-Across ("Why did those days ever have to go?") (5)
Starts with I, ends with HIWISH→
39A
Greek "I" (4)
Starts with I, ends with AIOTA→
40A
Perched (3)
Starts with S, ends with TSAT→
41A
Fraudulent offer (4)
Starts with S, ends with MSCAM→
42A
Not sinking (6)
Starts with A, ends with TAFLOAT→
44A
Like pagodas and some cakes (6)
Starts with T, ends with DTIERED→
46A
"Clemency" star Woodard (5)
Starts with A, ends with EALFRE→
47A
___ point (center) (5)
Starts with F, ends with LFOCAL→
50A
52A
See 50-Across (12)
Starts with T, ends with ETHEKEYOFLIFE→
56A
Spy's identifier (8)
Starts with C, ends with ECODENAME→
57A
Bloc party? (6)
Starts with N, ends with NNATION→
61A
Whistlers in the kitchen (7)
Starts with K, ends with SKETTLES→
62A
___ Kreme (6)
Starts with K, ends with YKRISPY→
63A
Doughnut quantities (6)
Starts with D, ends with SDOZENS→
64A
Work ___ (5)
Starts with E, ends with CETHIC→
Down
2D
___-Wan Kenobi (3)
Starts with O, ends with IOBI→
3D
Vase with a base (3)
Starts with U, ends with NURN→
4D
Popular times for tacos (8)
Starts with T, ends with STUESDAYS→
5D
Pancake-flipping tool (7)
Starts with S, ends with ASPATULA→
6D
Feng ___ (4)
Starts with S, ends with ISHUI→
7D
Scoop holder (4)
Starts with C, ends with ECONE→
8D
Declare definitively (4)
Starts with A, ends with WAVOW→
9D
Segments of news shows (7)
Starts with R, ends with SREPORTS→
10D
Venues for concerts and competitions (6)
Starts with A, ends with SARENAS→
11D
Road curves (5)
Starts with B, ends with SBENDS→
13D
"Star ___ II: The Wrath of Khan" (4)
Starts with T, ends with KTREK→
15D
Profound (4)
Starts with D, ends with PDEEP→
18D
Like some humor and runs (3)
Starts with D, ends with YDRY→
20D
"Oy ___!" (3)
Starts with V, ends with YVEY→
21D
Grain storage structures (5)
Starts with S, ends with SSILOS→
22D
Broadway star Menzel (5)
Starts with I, ends with AIDINA→
23D
Argue against (5)
Starts with R, ends with TREBUT→
27D
"Demon Slayer" or "Attack on Titan" (5)
Starts with A, ends with EANIME→
28D
Contents of plastic sleeves or jewel cases, informally (3)
Starts with C, ends with SCDS→
31D
"Love it!" (4)
Starts with N, ends with ENICE→
33D
They might be thatched (5)
Starts with R, ends with SROOFS→
34D
Pioneer in arcade games (5)
Starts with A, ends with IATARI→
35D
Devoured (5)
Starts with E, ends with NEATEN→
38D
"This means ___!" (3)
Starts with W, ends with RWAR→
39D
Cry in response to a doorbell (8)
Starts with I, ends with TILLGETIT→
41D
Feature of "rendezvous" and "laissez-faire" (7)
Starts with S, ends with ZSILENTZ→
43D
Celebratory hoopla (7)
Starts with F, ends with EFANFARE→
44D
Start liking (6)
Starts with T, ends with OTAKETO→
45D
Broadband connection type, in brief (3)
Starts with D, ends with LDSL→
47D
Government agcy. founded to enforce antitrust laws (3)
Starts with F, ends with CFTC→
48D
"I see" (4)
Starts with O, ends with KOHOK→
49D
Formally yielded (5)
Starts with C, ends with DCEDED→
51D
Pig's cry (4)
Starts with O, ends with KOINK→
53D
Ivy League school in New Haven (4)
Starts with Y, ends with EYALE→
54D
Sign of things to come (4)
Starts with O, ends with NOMEN→
55D
___ up (come clean) (4)
Starts with F, ends with SFESS→
58D
"... or thereabouts" (3)
Starts with I, ends with HISH→
59D
Nail polish brand (3)
Starts with O, ends with IOPI→
60D
It has M.S.G. in it (3)
Starts with N, ends with CNYC→
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 September 22, 2026?+
72 clues: 31 Across and 41 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Erik Agard and edited by Will Shortz.
What are some answers in today’s NYT Crossword?+
For example: Makes a sullen face (POUTS); Beetle amulet in ancient Egypt (SCARAB); Sudden and unexpected (ABRUPT).
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.
