NYT Midi Crossword hints and answers for July 21, 2026

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

Clues36
Across20
Down16
ThemeThree-For-One Fun

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
Loungewear with a monogram, perhaps (4)
Starts with R, ends with EROBE→
5A
___ system (GPS device) (3)
Starts with N, ends with VNAV→
8A
C.I.O. or C.F.O. (4)
Starts with E, ends with CEXEC→
9A
Way to depart a highway (4)
Starts with E, ends with TEXIT→
11A
It might be sealed with a handshake (4)
Starts with D, ends with LDEAL→
12A
Succulent that soothes skin (4)
Starts with A, ends with EALOE→
13A
Way to join a highway (6)
Starts with O, ends with PONRAMP→
15A
Popular brown dog (3)
Starts with L, ends with BLAB→
17A
"Gotta bounce!" (4)
Starts with C, ends with OCIAO→
18A
21A
Rink org. (3)
Starts with N, ends with LNHL→
22A
State whose capital is Boise: Abbr. (3)
Starts with I, ends with AIDA→
23A
Nurses, as a drink (4)
Starts with S, ends with SSIPS→
27A
Gentle honks (5)
Starts with T, ends with STOOTS→
30A
Look at rudely (4)
Starts with O, ends with EOGLE→
31A
God to 1.9+ billion (5)
Starts with A, ends with HALLAH→
32A
Where baby birds live (4)
Starts with N, ends with TNEST→
33A
"... said ___ ever" (5)
Starts with N, ends with ENOONE→

Down

1D
Apt rhyme for "take two" (4)
Starts with R, ends with OREDO→
2D
Animals pulling a plow, perhaps (4)
Starts with O, ends with NOXEN→
4D
Cream-filled pastry (6)
Starts with E, ends with RECLAIR→
6D
___ Rose of Guns N' Roses (3)
Starts with A, ends with LAXL→
10D
Educate (5)
Starts with T, ends with HTEACH→
14D
24-time M.L.B. All-Star Willie (4)
Starts with M, ends with SMAYS→
16D
"The Fresh Prince of ___-Air" (3)
Starts with B, ends with LBEL→
19D
Spicy mustard variety (5)
Starts with D, ends with NDIJON→
20D
Old saying (5)
Starts with A, ends with EADAGE→
24D
Word that follows "Marco!" in a pool (4)
Starts with P, ends with OPOLO→
26D
Filming locale (3)
Starts with S, ends with TSET→
28D
Shade similar to beige (3)
Starts with T, ends with NTAN→
29D
___/her pronouns (3)
Starts with S, ends with ESHE→

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 July 21, 2026?+

36 clues: 20 Across and 16 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Ian Livengood.

What are some answers in today’s Midi?+

For example: Loungewear with a monogram, perhaps (ROBE); ___ system (GPS device) (NAV); C.I.O. or C.F.O. (EXEC).

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