NYT Midi Crossword hints and answers for August 9, 2026

Every clue with a hint and the answer behind separate buttons, so nothing is spoiled until you tap.

Clues30
Across15
Down15
ThemeTake the L

Today’s Midi 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
Utters (4)
Starts with S, ends with SSAYS→
5A
Treats, as a sprained ankle (4)
Starts with I, ends with SICES→
9A
Wilson of "Wedding Crashers" (4)
Starts with O, ends with NOWEN→
10A
Anxiety about skipping a party, for short (4)
Starts with F, ends with OFOMO→
11A
Pumpkin carving season (4)
Starts with F, ends with LFALL→
12A
"___ a Fun Age" (2019 best-selling book) (4)
Starts with S, ends with HSUCH→
13A
Up to, informally (3)
Starts with T, ends with LTIL→
14A
Keanu Reeves's role in "The Matrix" (3)
Starts with N, ends with ONEO→
19A
Modern rock band fronted by Jeff Tweedy (5)
Starts with W, ends with OWILCO→
24A
Track shape (4)
Starts with O, ends with LOVAL→
26A
Term of endearment akin to "sweetie" (4)
Starts with B, ends with EBABE→
27A
Digital marketplace for crafters (4)
Starts with E, ends with YETSY→

Down

1D
Word before launch or taco (4)
Starts with S, ends with TSOFT→
2D
Look forward to (5)
Starts with A, ends with TAWAIT→
3D
Part of a pickup line in New York? (9)
Starts with Y, ends with BYELLOWCAB→
5D
Hypotheticals (3)
Starts with I, ends with SIFS→
6D
"For sure!" (9)
Starts with C, ends with TCOUNTONIT→
7D
Awards show host (5)
Starts with E, ends with EEMCEE→
8D
16D
This puzzle's is "Take the L" (5)
Starts with T, ends with ETITLE→
17D
Boxer Muhammad (3)
Starts with A, ends with IALI→
18D
Listerine rival (5)
Starts with S, ends with ESCOPE→
20D
Weep (3)
Starts with S, ends with BSOB→
21D
Actress Longoria (3)
Starts with E, ends with AEVA→
22D
Pompous sort (3)
Starts with A, ends with SASS→
23D
Set (down) (3)
Starts with L, ends with YLAY→

How to solve the Midi

Click a square and type to fill the grid. Each clue is numbered and marked Across or Down. Like the Daily Crossword, the Midi gets bigger as the week goes on: early-week grids are compact 9x9 puzzles with around 30 clues, Thursday and Friday grow to 10x10, and weekend grids reach 11x11 with longer theme answers.

Want the full method? Read our Midi strategy and tips, our guide to crossword clue types, or check how to play the Midi on the hub.

Midi tips for tomorrow

  • Fill the gimmes first. Scan every clue once and fill in anything you know instantly, especially fill-in-the-blank clues. Those letters unlock the crossings.
  • Read the theme title. The theme name often points straight at the longest answers. Try them early, even with only a couple of letters in place.
  • Match tense and number. A clue in the past tense has a past-tense answer; a plural clue has a plural answer. “Took to court” means the answer likely ends in -ED.

Done for today? Try The Mini, NYT Crossword, Wordle, all with hints first and answers behind a reveal.

Previous Midi puzzles

Midi FAQ

How many clues are in the Midi for August 9, 2026?+

30 clues: 15 Across and 15 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Ian Livengood.

What are some answers in today’s Midi?+

For example: Utters (SAYS); Treats, as a sprained ankle (ICES); Wilson of "Wedding Crashers" (OWEN).

What is the NYT Midi crossword?+

The Midi is a mid-sized daily crossword from New York Times Games. It sits between the 5x5 Mini and the 15x15 Daily Crossword in both size and difficulty.

Where can I find past Midi answers?+

Every past Midi on GameAnswers.com has its own page with clue-by-clue hints first and the full answers at the bottom. Click any date above.

Today’s other puzzle answers

Crossword guides