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 26, 2026 covers every clue in order.
26 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 26, 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 | Prepares, as shumai | STEAMS |
| 7A | Paste commonly simulated by a blend of horseradish, mustard and green dye | WASABI |
| 13A | Rounded, say | SHAPELY |
| 15A | Late hour | ELEVEN |
| 16A | Pair’s reassurance | WE’RE GOOD |
| 18A | N.F.C. West team, informally | NINERS |
| 19A | “Go right ahead …” | BE MY GUEST |
| 21A | Pecan, but not pumpkin | TREE |
| 22A | Selena Gomez or Beyoncé, by birth | TEXAN |
| 23A | Runaround? | LAP |
| 24A | John ___, singer | HIATT |
| 25A | Withdraw (from) | WEAN |
| 26A | Part of an asymmetrical hairstyle | SIDE BANGS |
| 28A | Early giant in punch-card tabulating systems | IBM |
| 29A | Giggle | TEEHEE |
| 30A | Element of economic globalization | TRADE DEAL |
| 31A | Desserts that may feature frangipane | PEAR TARTS |
| 32A | Part of what makes you you | DNA |
| 35A | Online show pieces | WEBISODES |
| 36A | Result of a shopping spree | HAUL |
| 37A | Kite feature | TAIL |
| 38A | The Marlins, on scoreboards | MIA |
| 39A | ___-corner | CATTY |
| 40A | Assert | AVOW |
| 41A | STEM field concern | GENDER GAP |
| 43A | It’s in the eye of the beholder | RETINA |
| 45A | Pull it together | GET A GRIP |
| 47A | Rang | PHONED |
| 48A | Camp distribution | RATIONS |
| 49A | Toasts | SINGES |
| 50A | Verse from Emily Dickinson or Emma Lazarus | SONNET |
NYT Crossword Down hints and answers for September 26, 2026
| No. | Clue | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1D | Duluth-to-Minneapolis dir. | SSW |
| 2D | Broadcaster with a onetime coat-of-arms logo, informally | THE BEEB |
| 3D | Otoscopy, e.g. | EAR EXAM |
| 4D | Anthropopithecus, e.g. | APEMAN |
| 5D | Actress Price of the 2000s sitcom “Grounded for Life” | MEGYN |
| 6D | Labor | SLOG |
| 7D | Took a turn | DID A U-TURN |
| 8D | Subject of the 1996 documentary “When We Were Kings” | ALI |
| 9D | Watch party? | SENTRY |
| 10D | Mean | AVERAGE |
| 11D | Some Basque headwear | BERETS |
| 12D | Exclave’s spot in an atlas, often | INSET |
| 14D | Critical response concerning a piece of fiction? | NOVEL REVIEW |
| 17D | Riding free as an employee, in airline lingo | NONREV |
| 20D | Real page-turner? | SPEED READER |
| 22D | Lead-in to light | DAY |
| 24D | Gag reflexes? | HEAVES |
| 26D | Scorches | SEARS |
| 27D | Roots for vegan burgers | BEETS |
| 29D | Part of a bridal outfit | TRAIN |
| 30D | Signature QB move included as a feature in 2012’s Madden NFL 13 video game | TEBOWING |
| 31D | Main pack in a bicycle race | PELOTON |
| 32D | A bit corrupt, perhaps? | BENT |
| 33D | Evergreen whose cones bear edible seeds | NUT PINE |
| 34D | Olympic gymnast Raisman | ALY |
| 35D | Silently greet someone | WAVE |
| 36D | Pudding typically served with “neeps and tatties” | BLACK PUDDING |
| 37D | Highly prized rewards on “Survivor” | IDOLS |
| 39D | “This Side Up” container | BOX |
| 41D | Roves | WANDERS |
| 42D | HHH | HHH |
| 44D | Once called | NEE |
| 46D | Lake Tahoe winter hrs. | PST |
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 26, 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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