NYT Midi Crossword hints and answers for September 22, 2026

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

Clues30
Across14
Down16
ThemeThat's the Spirit!

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
Kind of salad with bacon and eggs (4)
Starts with C, ends with BCOBB→
5A
Tally up (3)
Starts with A, ends with DADD→
8A
Trains, in toddler-speak (9)
Starts with C, ends with SCHOOCHOOS→
12A
Pan handlers? (6)
Starts with B, ends with SBAKERS→
13A
Princess in "The Little Mermaid" (5)
Starts with A, ends with LARIEL→
16A
"Spring forward" clock setting: Abbr. (3)
Starts with D, ends with TDST→
19A
"Without further ___ ..." (3)
Starts with A, ends with OADO→
20A
See 17-Across (5)
Starts with S, ends with ESAUCE→
24A
Mafia boss (3)
Starts with D, ends with NDON→
26A
Really rude person (3)
Starts with A, ends with SASS→
27A
Make extremely happy (5)
Starts with E, ends with EELATE→

Down

1D
Includes on an email thread (3)
Starts with C, ends with SCCS→
2D
"NOW that makes sense!" (3)
Starts with O, ends with HOHH→
3D
Feathery wrap (3)
Starts with B, ends with ABOA→
4D
Buoyant attachment on a fishing line (6)
Starts with B, ends with RBOBBER→
5D
"Yes ... that makes sense" (4)
Starts with A, ends with KAHOK→
6D
Took a nap (5)
Starts with D, ends with DDOZED→
7D
People of action (5)
Starts with D, ends with SDOERS→
9D
Come together (8)
Starts with C, ends with ECOALESCE→
10D
The "S" of GPS: Abbr. (4)
Starts with S, ends with TSYST→
13D
Carne ___ (5)
Starts with A, ends with AASADA→
14D
Take twos (5)
Starts with R, ends with SREDOS→
15D
Images on a touchscreen (5)
Starts with I, ends with SICONS→
18D
Where a scorpion's stinger is located (4)
Starts with T, ends with LTAIL→
22D
Scratching post user (3)
Starts with C, ends with TCAT→
23D

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 22, 2026?+

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

What are some answers in today’s Midi?+

For example: Kind of salad with bacon and eggs (COBB); Tally up (ADD); Trains, in toddler-speak (CHOOCHOOS).

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