NYT Midi Crossword hints and answers for September 13, 2026

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

Clues30
Across14
Down16
ThemeBallpark Figures

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
"Hold on a ___!" (3)
Starts with S, ends with CSEC→
4A
Welcoming neon sign at a 24-hour diner (4)
Starts with O, ends with NOPEN→
8A
Hawaiian island where Obama was born (4)
Starts with O, ends with UOAHU→
10A
Subterranean area (4)
Starts with C, ends with ECAVE→
11A
13A
Tell a falsehood (3)
Starts with L, ends with ELIE→
19A
Secure, as a job (4)
Starts with L, ends with DLAND→
20A
"In or Out" singer DiFranco (3)
Starts with A, ends with IANI→
21A
Navy stunt pilot (9)
Starts with B, ends with LBLUEANGEL→
23A
Canola and corn products (4)
Starts with O, ends with SOILS→
24A
Yawnfest (4)
Starts with B, ends with EBORE→
25A
Soaks with water (4)
Starts with W, ends with SWETS→
26A
Hill-building insects (4)
Starts with A, ends with SANTS→

Down

1D
Break down crying (3)
Starts with S, ends with BSOB→
2D
Place for a stud or a ring (3)
Starts with E, ends with REAR→
3D
Life force, to an acupuncturist (3)
Starts with C, ends with ICHI→
4D
Trio + five (5)
Starts with O, ends with TOCTET→
5D
Golfer's target (3)
Starts with P, ends with RPAR→
6D
Adam and ___ (3)
Starts with E, ends with EEVE→
7D
"The Simpsons" neighbor Flanders (3)
Starts with N, ends with DNED→
9D
Initial problem for a storied duckling (8)
Starts with U, ends with SUGLINESS→
12D
Broom-___ (comics witch) (5)
Starts with H, ends with AHILDA→
15D
Bank storage space with heavy security (5)
Starts with V, ends with TVAULT→
16D
Hayride vehicle (5)
Starts with W, ends with NWAGON→
17D
Nonreactive, as some gases (5)
Starts with I, ends with TINERT→
18D
"Frasier" brother (5)
Starts with N, ends with SNILES→
21D
Acknowledge an ovation, in a way (3)
Starts with B, ends with WBOW→
22D
Org. that discourages traveling? (3)
Starts with N, ends with ANBA→

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 September 13, 2026?+

30 clues: 14 Across and 16 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Natan Last and edited by Ian Livengood.

What are some answers in today’s Midi?+

For example: "Hold on a ___!" (SEC); Welcoming neon sign at a 24-hour diner (OPEN); Hawaiian island where Obama was born (OAHU).

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