NYT Crossword hints and answer for September 27, 2025

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

Clues68
Across34
Down34
ConstructorAdrian Johnson and Christina Iverson

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
Thin underlayer (4)
Starts with S, ends with PSLIP→
5A
Comment often made with an eye roll (4)
Starts with A, ends with FASIF→
14A
Derby, e.g. (9)
Starts with H, ends with EHORSERACE→
16A
Commit a library taboo (5)
Starts with S, ends with TSHOUT→
17A
Ship-to-ship communication (9)
Starts with A, ends with YAHOYMATEY→
18A
Lacks (5)
Starts with H, ends with THASNT→
20A
Backbiter? (4)
Starts with F, ends with AFLEA→
21A
Puts in a protected place (9)
Starts with E, ends with SENSHRINES→
24A
Cries of disappointment (3)
Starts with O, ends with SOYS→
25A
Components of some brick buildings (8)
Starts with L, ends with SLEGOSETS→
28A
It might be living on the edge (5)
Starts with S, ends with BSHRUB→
31A
Showing tough love, say (5)
Starts with S, ends with NSTERN→
32A
Mash at a luau (3)
Starts with P, ends with IPOI→
33A
"Please avoid brutal honesty!" (7)
Starts with L, ends with ELIETOME→
35A
Wise (7)
Starts with P, ends with TPRUDENT→
37A
Certain drug classification, in brief (3)
Starts with O, ends with COTC→
38A
40A
Fathers (5)
Starts with S, ends with SSIRES→
41A
Two-humper (8)
Starts with B, ends with NBACTRIAN→
43A
Period that begins on July 23 (3)
Starts with L, ends with OLEO→
44A
It's not an option (4)
Starts with N, ends with DNEED→
45A
Zest source (9)
Starts with L, ends with DLEMONRIND→
50A
Brown alternative (4)
Starts with P, ends with NPENN→
51A
Enterprise enterprise (8)
Starts with R, ends with RRENTACAR→
52A
WWE star Randy ___ (5)
Starts with O, ends with NORTON→
54A
Part of a high-tech security system (9)
Starts with L, ends with ELASERMAZE→
55A
"Lift ___ Voice and Sing" (protest anthem) (5)
Starts with E, ends with YEVERY→
56A
They go from season to season (9)
Starts with S, ends with SSTORYARCS→
57A
Short (5)
Starts with T, ends with ETERSE→
58A
Hibernation stations (4)
Starts with D, ends with SDENS→
59A
Seven ___ (4)
Starts with S, ends with SSEAS→

Down

1D
Contempt, in slang (5)
Starts with S, ends with ESHADE→
3D
Tends to some pressing matters (5)
Starts with I, ends with SIRONS→
4D
Punk (8)
Starts with P, ends with TPSYCHOUT→
5D
The first Musketeer, alphabetically (6)
Starts with A, ends with SARAMIS→
6D
Kept hidden, as information (5)
Starts with S, ends with NSATON→
7D
Product for winter sidewalk safety (7)
Starts with I, ends with TICEMELT→
8D
"Mean Girls" writer (3)
Starts with F, ends with YFEY→
9D
Firewood choice, or its destiny (3)
Starts with A, ends with HASH→
10D
Rubs the wrong way (6)
Starts with C, ends with SCHAFES→
11D
Alternative to a crib (9)
Starts with C, ends with RCOSLEEPER→
12D
Classic rock? (9)
Starts with R, ends with ERUNESTONE→
13D
Paratha flour (4)
Starts with A, ends with AATTA→
15D
Digital file? (10)
Starts with E, ends with DEMERYBOARD→
22D
Runs slowly (5)
Starts with S, ends with SSEEPS→
26D
[This makes me mad!] (3)
Starts with G, ends with RGRR→
27D
Is on the bottom? (4)
Starts with S, ends with SSITS→
28D
One who's slow to pick things up (4)
Starts with S, ends with BSLOB→
29D
What an insensitive joke might do (9)
Starts with H, ends with EHITANERVE→
30D
Locale for many community courts (9)
Starts with R, ends with RRECCENTER→
31D
"Love Story" author Erich (5)
Starts with S, ends with LSEGAL→
34D
Diagnostic tool, in brief (3)
Starts with M, ends with IMRI→
36D
Natural history museum collection (8)
Starts with D, ends with SDIORAMAS→
39D
Simplest possible phone plan (7)
Starts with O, ends with EONERATE→
42D
Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye, among others (6)
Starts with T, ends with STENORS→
43D
Solo sorts (6)
Starts with L, ends with SLONERS→
46D
Particle accelerator byproduct (5)
Starts with M, ends with NMESON→
47D
Statement that might follow a hug (5)
Starts with I, ends with EICARE→
48D
___ Lines (ancient Peruvian geoglyphs) (5)
Starts with N, ends with ANAZCA→
49D
Bandage (5)
Starts with D, ends with SDRESS→
50D
Burns, e.g. (4)
Starts with P, ends with TPOET→
53D
What comes before 1/1 (3)
Starts with N, ends with ENYE→

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 27, 2025?+

68 clues: 34 Across and 34 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Adrian Johnson and Christina Iverson and edited by Will Shortz.

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

For example: Thin underlayer (SLIP); Comment often made with an eye roll (ASIF); African capital whose name translates to "ants" (ACCRA).

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