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 22, 2026 covers every clue in order.
22 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 22, 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 | Makes a sullen face | POUTS |
| 6A | Beetle amulet in ancient Egypt | SCARAB |
| 12A | Sudden and unexpected | ABRUPT |
| 14A | Was overprotective, in a way | HOVERED |
| 16A | ___ algebra | LINEAR |
| 17A | Still in its packaging | UNOPENED |
| 19A | 50/52-Across musician | STEVIE WONDER |
| 21A | #1 hit from 50/52-Across (“You can feel it all over”) | SIR DUKE |
| 24A | Like a scratchy voice | RASPY |
| 25A | Best possible | IDEAL |
| 26A | Billionaires’ boats | YACHTS |
| 30A | Resident of Africa’s fourth-largest country | LIBYAN |
| 32A | Secrecy contracts, in brief | NDAS |
| 33A | Name that’s a body part backward | RAE |
| 36A | Obligation | ONUS |
| 37A | #1 hit from 50/52-Across (“Why did those days ever have to go?”) | I WISH |
| 39A | Greek “I” | IOTA |
| 40A | Perched | SAT |
| 41A | Fraudulent offer | SCAM |
| 42A | Not sinking | AFLOAT |
| 44A | Like pagodas and some cakes | TIERED |
| 46A | “Clemency” star Woodard | ALFRE |
| 47A | ___ point (center) | FOCAL |
| 50A | With 52-Across, double album released on September 28, 1976, that spent 13 straight weeks at #1 | SONGS IN |
| 52A | See 50-Across | THE KEY OF LIFE |
| 56A | Spy’s identifier | CODENAME |
| 57A | Bloc party? | NATION |
| 61A | Whistlers in the kitchen | KETTLES |
| 62A | ___ Kreme | KRISPY |
| 63A | Doughnut quantities | DOZENS |
| 64A | Work ___ | ETHIC |
NYT Crossword Down hints and answers for September 22, 2026
| No. | Clue | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1D | Buddy | PAL |
| 2D | ___-Wan Kenobi | OBI |
| 3D | Vase with a base | URN |
| 4D | Popular times for tacos | TUESDAYS |
| 5D | Pancake-flipping tool | SPATULA |
| 6D | Feng ___ | SHUI |
| 7D | Scoop holder | CONE |
| 8D | Declare definitively | AVOW |
| 9D | Segments of news shows | REPORTS |
| 10D | Venues for concerts and competitions | ARENAS |
| 11D | Road curves | BENDS |
| 13D | “Star ___ II: The Wrath of Khan” | TREK |
| 15D | Profound | DEEP |
| 18D | Like some humor and runs | DRY |
| 20D | “Oy ___!” | VEY |
| 21D | Grain storage structures | SILOS |
| 22D | Broadway star Menzel | IDINA |
| 23D | Argue against | REBUT |
| 27D | “Demon Slayer” or “Attack on Titan” | ANIME |
| 28D | Contents of plastic sleeves or jewel cases, informally | CDS |
| 29D | “lol” | HAHA |
| 31D | “Love it!” | NICE |
| 33D | They might be thatched | ROOFS |
| 34D | Pioneer in arcade games | ATARI |
| 35D | Devoured | EATEN |
| 38D | “This means ___!” | WAR |
| 39D | Cry in response to a doorbell | ILL GET IT |
| 41D | Feature of “rendezvous” and “laissez-faire” | SILENT Z |
| 43D | Celebratory hoopla | FANFARE |
| 44D | Start liking | TAKE TO |
| 45D | Broadband connection type, in brief | DSL |
| 47D | Government agcy. founded to enforce antitrust laws | FTC |
| 48D | “I see” | OH OK |
| 49D | Formally yielded | CEDED |
| 51D | Pig’s cry | OINK |
| 53D | Ivy League school in New Haven | YALE |
| 54D | Sign of things to come | OMEN |
| 55D | ___ up (come clean) | FESS |
| 58D | “… or thereabouts” | ISH |
| 59D | Nail polish brand | OPI |
| 60D | It has M.S.G. in it | NYC |
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 22, 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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