NYT Midi Crossword hints and answers for September 15, 2026

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

Clues31
Across16
Down15
ThemeTo Be Continued ...

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
Guest contributor's column (4)
Starts with O, ends with DOPED→
5A
Shortcut for "copy," on a PC keyboard (5)
Starts with C, ends with CCTRLC→
9A
What hearts may represent in video games (5)
Starts with L, ends with SLIVES→
11A
Historical period (3)
Starts with E, ends with AERA→
12A
Otherworldly creature (5)
Starts with A, ends with NALIEN→
13A
Haul (3)
Starts with L, ends with GLUG→
14A
Chew the ___ (chitchat) (3)
Starts with F, ends with TFAT→
17A
Ma, pa, sibs, etc. (3)
Starts with F, ends with MFAM→
19A
20A
Honolulu's island (4)
Starts with O, ends with UOAHU→
24A
Fully committed (5)
Starts with A, ends with NALLIN→
25A
Forbid from leaving the house, as a teen (6)
Starts with G, ends with DGROUND→
26A
Actress Witherspoon (5)
Starts with R, ends with EREESE→
27A
Jeopardizes (5)
Starts with R, ends with SRISKS→

Down

1D
"Frozen" snowman (4)
Starts with O, ends with FOLAF→
2D
Fluffy rice dish (5)
Starts with P, ends with FPILAF→
4D
Barely passing grade (3)
Starts with D, ends with EDEE→
5D
"Live Fit" energy drink brand (7)
Starts with C, ends with SCELSIUS→
7D
Cleaning cloth (3)
Starts with R, ends with GRAG→
16D
Available (6)
Starts with O, ends with DONHAND→
18D
Snail, squid or scallop (7)
Starts with M, ends with KMOLLUSK→
21D
22D
"Too risky for me?" (5)
Starts with D, ends with IDAREI→
23D
Soothing succulents (5)
Starts with A, ends with SALOES→
25D
[This is SO frustrating!] (3)
Starts with G, ends with RGRR→

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 15, 2026?+

31 clues: 16 Across and 15 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Rena Cohen and edited by Ian Livengood.

What are some answers in today’s Midi?+

For example: Guest contributor's column (OPED); Shortcut for "copy," on a PC keyboard (CTRLC); What hearts may represent in video games (LIVES).

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