NYT Crossword hints and answer for September 26, 2026

Hints that get gradually more specific, then the answer if you need it. Nothing is revealed until you tap.

Clues64
Across31
Down33
ConstructorBrian Callahan

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
Prepares, as shumai (6)
Starts with S, ends with SSTEAMS→
13A
Rounded, say (7)
Starts with S, ends with YSHAPELY→
15A
Late hour (6)
Starts with E, ends with NELEVEN→
16A
Pair's reassurance (8)
Starts with W, ends with DWEREGOOD→
18A
N.F.C. West team, informally (6)
Starts with N, ends with SNINERS→
19A
"Go right ahead …" (9)
Starts with B, ends with TBEMYGUEST→
21A
Pecan, but not pumpkin (4)
Starts with T, ends with ETREE→
22A
Selena Gomez or Beyoncé, by birth (5)
Starts with T, ends with NTEXAN→
23A
Runaround? (3)
Starts with L, ends with PLAP→
25A
Withdraw (from) (4)
Starts with W, ends with NWEAN→
26A
Part of an asymmetrical hairstyle (9)
Starts with S, ends with SSIDEBANGS→
28A
Early giant in punch-card tabulating systems (3)
Starts with I, ends with MIBM→
29A
Giggle (9)
Starts with T, ends with ETEEHEEHEE→
30A
Element of economic globalization (9)
Starts with T, ends with LTRADEDEAL→
31A
Desserts that may feature frangipane (9)
Starts with P, ends with SPEARTARTS→
32A
Part of what makes you you (3)
Starts with D, ends with ADNA→
35A
Online show pieces (9)
Starts with W, ends with SWEBISODES→
36A
Result of a shopping spree (4)
Starts with H, ends with LHAUL→
37A
Kite feature (5)
Starts with T, ends with NTALON→
38A
The Marlins, on scoreboards (3)
Starts with M, ends with AMIA→
39A
___-corner (5)
Starts with C, ends with YCATTY→
40A
Assert (4)
Starts with A, ends with WAVOW→
41A
STEM field concern (9)
Starts with G, ends with PGENDERGAP→
43A
It's in the eye of the beholder (6)
Starts with R, ends with ARETINA→
45A
Pull it together (8)
Starts with G, ends with PGETAGRIP→
47A
Rang (6)
Starts with P, ends with DPHONED→
48A
Camp distribution (7)
Starts with R, ends with SRATIONS→
49A
Toasts (6)
Starts with S, ends with SSINGES→
50A

Down

1D
Duluth-to-Minneapolis dir. (3)
Starts with S, ends with WSSW→
3D
Otoscopy, e.g. (7)
Starts with E, ends with MEAREXAM→
4D
Anthropopithecus, e.g. (6)
Starts with A, ends with NAPEMAN→
6D
Labor (4)
Starts with S, ends with GSLOG→
7D
Took a turn (4)
Starts with W, ends with TWENT→
9D
Watch party? (8)
Starts with S, ends with LSENTINEL→
10D
Mean (7)
Starts with A, ends with EAVERAGE→
11D
Some Basque headwear (6)
Starts with B, ends with SBERETS→
12D
Exclave's spot in an atlas, often (5)
Starts with I, ends with TINSET→
20D
Real page-turner? (11)
Starts with S, ends with RSPEEDREADER→
22D
Lead-in to light (3)
Starts with T, ends with ITWI→
24D
Gag reflexes? (5)
Starts with H, ends with SHAHAS→
26D
Scorches (5)
Starts with S, ends with SSEARS→
27D
Roots for vegan burgers (5)
Starts with B, ends with SBEETS→
29D
Part of a bridal outfit (5)
Starts with T, ends with NTRAIN→
31D
Main pack in a bicycle race (7)
Starts with P, ends with NPELOTON→
32D
A bit corrupt, perhaps? (7)
Starts with D, ends with TDATAROT→
33D
Evergreen whose cones bear edible seeds (7)
Starts with N, ends with ENUTPINE→
34D
Olympic gymnast Raisman (3)
Starts with A, ends with YALY→
35D
Silently greet someone (6)
Starts with W, ends with IWAVEHI→
37D
Highly prized rewards on "Survivor" (5)
Starts with T, ends with STARPS→
39D
"This Side Up" container (5)
Starts with C, ends with ECRATE→
41D
Roves (4)
Starts with G, ends with SGADS→
42D
HHH (4)
Starts with E, ends with SETAS→
44D
Once called (3)
Starts with N, ends with ENEE→
46D
Lake Tahoe winter hrs. (3)
Starts with P, ends with TPST→

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 26, 2026?+

64 clues: 31 Across and 33 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Brian Callahan and edited by Will Shortz.

What are some answers in today’s NYT Crossword?+

For example: Prepares, as shumai (STEAMS); Paste commonly simulated by a blend of horseradish, mustard and green dye (WASABI); Rounded, say (SHAPELY).

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.

Today’s other puzzle answers

NYT Crossword guides