Searching for the NYT Crossword answers today? If today’s New York Times Crossword has a few clues standing in the way, this guide has everything needed to finish the puzzle.
Below, you’ll find a spoiler-light overview, followed by hints for every Across and Down clue before revealing the complete answers. Whether only one square is missing or the entire grid needs solving, today’s guide for September 12, 2026 covers every clue in order.
12 September 2026 – NYT Crossword overview
Today’s crossword offers a balanced challenge with a clever central theme that gradually becomes apparent as more of the grid is completed. Several clues rely on wordplay and misdirection, while a handful of modern abbreviations and pop culture references may slow down even experienced solvers.
The puzzle is approachable for regular crossword players but still contains enough tricky clues to make the final solve satisfying. Looking for hints first? Start with the sections below before scrolling to the complete answers.
NYT Crossword Across hints and answers for September 12, 2026
Start with the hint if you’d like to keep solving on your own. The answer is listed directly underneath.
| No. | Clue | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1A | Light décor | LAMPSHADES |
| 11A | Last place? | TOMB |
| 15A | Pop-up with an envelope icon | EMAIL ALERT |
| 16A | Round figure | OVAL |
| 17A | Winner’s circle? | VICTORY LAP |
| 18A | Take two | REDO |
| 19A | Hyperfixated | ENRAPT |
| 20A | “Thick ___ Brick” | AS A |
| 21A | Earth’s pull, informally | ONE G |
| 22A | On the ___ (free) | LOOSE |
| 23A | Thumbs-down votes in the Duma | NYETS |
| 25A | Why wait? | TIP |
| 26A | Personal circumstances, so to speak | SHOES |
| 28A | Justice who’s the subject of “Revenge for the Sixties” | ALITO |
| 30A | Rolls out the green carpet? | SODS |
| 34A | First full word sung in “The Alphabet Song” | AND |
| 35A | Proverbial small amount | CRUMBS |
| 36A | “Now we’re talking!” | THAT’S MORE LIKE IT |
| 39A | Capers | ANTICS |
| 40A | Common ___ | ERA |
| 41A | Rowing machines, in gym lingo | ERGS |
| 42A | “Schitt’s Creek” matriarch | MOIRA |
| 43A | Really hurts | MAIMS |
| 45A | Rout, in computer game lingo | PWN |
| 46A | Word with letter or grant | BLOCK |
| 48A | Toothbrush handle? | ORAL-B |
| 53A | Smokes | CIGS |
| 55A | N.B.A. coach Jordan ___ | OTT |
| 56A | Punnily named production company behind “Insecure” | HOORAE |
| 57A | Stat | ASAP |
| 58A | Common sleep aid | WHITE NOISE |
| 60A | Acquire by default? | REPO |
| 61A | Math class assignment | PROBLEM SET |
| 62A | Labor, e.g.: Abbr. | DEPT |
| 63A | Appliances that are always blowing out? | HAND DRYERS |
NYT Crossword Down hints and answers for September 12, 2026
| No. | Clue | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1D | Carpenter’s tool | LEVEL |
| 2D | ___ acid | AMINO |
| 3D | Kind of photography lens for a close-up | MACRO |
| 4D | Wraps in the Mideast | PITAS |
| 5D | Certain geometry calculations | SLOPES |
| 6D | Playwright Moss ___ | HART |
| 7D | Gymnast Raisman | ALY |
| 8D | What a joke may get eventually | DELAYED REACTION |
| 9D | Takes marks off in a classroom? | ERASES |
| 10D | Mid-March V.I.P., informally | ST. PAT |
| 11D | “Surf” food in Japan, or “turf” animal in Spain | TORO |
| 12D | Kitchen counter | OVEN TIMER |
| 13D | Became a household name, say | MADE IT BIG |
| 14D | Examples of media on Medium | BLOG POSTS |
| 23D | Many a listing in an etiquette book | NO-NO |
| 24D | Wrap in South Asia | SARI |
| 27D | Actors unsuited for subtle roles | HAMS |
| 29D | Country singer Combs | LUKE |
| 30D | Rewards program tracker | STAMP CARD |
| 31D | “It’s finally clear” | OH, NOW I SEE |
| 32D | Phone connector? | DATING APP |
| 33D | Arouse | STIR |
| 35D | Simoleon | CLAM |
| 37D | Labor pain? | SCAB |
| 38D | Journalist Larson who wrote “The Splendid and the Vile” | ERIK |
| 43D | Godzilla adversary | MOTHRA |
| 44D | Longhorn’s rival | SOONER |
| 47D | Acidic | LOW PH |
| 49D | Capacious | ROOMY |
| 50D | Surface | ARISE |
| 51D | Pointer for a public speaker | LASER |
| 52D | Sources of the juice that “bleeds” in a faux meat patty | BEETS |
| 54D | Tough thing to be in | SPOT |
| 56D | Stayed together | HELD |
| 59D | Placeholder abbr. | TBD |
Tips for solving the NYT Crossword
Even if today’s crossword proved difficult, a few strategies can make future puzzles much easier.
- Fill in the shortest clues first to build crossing letters.
- Skip clues that seem impossible and return later with more letters in place.
- Watch for question marks, as they often signal puns or wordplay.
- Look for common crossword abbreviations, initials, and shortened forms.
- Don’t ignore theme clues, as they often unlock multiple answers throughout the puzzle.
- Use crossing answers to verify uncertain guesses instead of forcing words that don’t fit.
Consistently solving a few puzzles each week also helps build familiarity with recurring clue styles commonly used in the NYT Crossword.
Final thoughts
The NYT Crossword for September 12, 2026 delivers another enjoyable daily challenge with a satisfying mix of straightforward clues, clever wordplay, and a memorable theme. Whether only a couple of answers were needed or the complete solution was required, hopefully this guide helped finish today’s puzzle.
Be sure to check back tomorrow for another complete set of NYT Crossword hints and answers, including spoiler-free clues followed by the full solution.
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