NYT Crossword hints and answer for April 21, 2025
Hints that get gradually more specific, then the answer if you need it. Nothing is revealed until you tap.
Clues76
Across39
Down37
ConstructorThomas van Geel
Today’s NYT Crossword 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
Manage, as a bar (4)
Starts with T, ends with DTEND→
5A
Boneheaded (4)
Starts with D, ends with BDUMB→
9A
Petri dish gel (4)
Starts with A, ends with RAGAR→
13A
Protected from the wind (4)
Starts with A, ends with EALEE→
14A
It's always the top story (5)
Starts with A, ends with CATTIC→
16A
Only nonrigid weapon in Clue (4)
Starts with R, ends with EROPE→
17A
Coming-of-age ceremony (10)
Starts with B, ends with HBARMITZVAH→
19A
Club in a classic Barry Manilow song, informally (4)
Starts with C, ends with ACOPA→
20A
"Let's go!" in Mexico (6)
Starts with A, ends with EANDALE→
21A
One of the fam (3)
Starts with S, ends with SSIS→
23A
Big mo. for retailers (3)
Starts with D, ends with CDEC→
25A
Place "rocked" in a Clash song (9)
Starts with T, ends with HTHECASBAH→
28A
Street ___ (reputation) (4)
Starts with C, ends with DCRED→
29A
Atmosphere (4)
Starts with M, ends with DMOOD→
30A
Actress Witherspoon (5)
Starts with R, ends with EREESE→
31A
Trireme propellers (4)
Starts with O, ends with SOARS→
32A
___ Arbor, Mich. (3)
Starts with A, ends with NANN→
33A
Faced the pitcher (6)
Starts with B, ends with DBATTED→
34A
Animal that can go 0-60 in three seconds (7)
Starts with C, ends with HCHEETAH→
36A
Highest U.S. mountain (6)
Starts with D, ends with IDENALI→
40A
12-mo. periods (3)
Starts with Y, ends with SYRS→
41A
Many govt. prosecutors (4)
Starts with A, ends with SADAS→
45A
"La Bohème," for one (5)
Starts with O, ends with AOPERA→
46A
Garfield's frenemy in the comics (4)
Starts with O, ends with EODIE→
47A
Opposite of starboard (4)
Starts with P, ends with TPORT→
48A
Famed shoe designer (9)
Starts with J, ends with OJIMMYCHOO→
50A
Molten rock (5)
Starts with M, ends with AMAGMA→
51A
Had dinner (3)
Starts with A, ends with EATE→
52A
Lumberjack's tool (3)
Starts with S, ends with WSAW→
53A
Pie chart piece (6)
Starts with S, ends with RSECTOR→
56A
Polite response to the ends of 17-, 25-, 34- and 48-Across (10)
Starts with G, ends with TGESUNDHEIT→
59A
Ugandan despot Idi ___ (4)
Starts with A, ends with NAMIN→
60A
Justice Kagan (5)
Starts with E, ends with AELENA→
61A
___ Grey tea (4)
Starts with E, ends with LEARL→
62A
Word before tube or drive (4)
Starts with T, ends with TTEST→
64A
Captain Hook's sidekick (4)
Starts with S, ends with ESMEE→
Down
1D
Mexican state that shares its name with a hot sauce (7)
Starts with T, ends with OTABASCO→
2D
Hyundai compact (7)
Starts with E, ends with AELANTRA→
3D
More brainy in an uncool way (7)
Starts with N, ends with RNERDIER→
4D
Orders (7)
Starts with D, ends with SDEMANDS→
5D
Go out with (4)
Starts with D, ends with EDATE→
6D
Chip brand with a little-girl logo (3)
Starts with U, ends with ZUTZ→
7D
"Beavis and Butt-Head" airer (3)
Starts with M, ends with VMTV→
8D
Slanted (6)
Starts with B, ends with DBIASED→
9D
Lob's path (3)
Starts with A, ends with CARC→
10D
Not quite a sure thing (7)
Starts with G, ends with TGOODBET→
11D
Mollify (7)
Starts with A, ends with EAPPEASE→
12D
Got to (7)
Starts with R, ends with DREACHED→
15D
En vogue (4)
Starts with C, ends with CCHIC→
22D
Comedian Silverman (5)
Starts with S, ends with HSARAH→
25D
Recorded message prompt (4)
Starts with T, ends with ETONE→
26D
Cute name for a spouse's task list (7)
Starts with H, ends with OHONEYDO→
27D
"Game, ___, match" (3)
Starts with S, ends with TSET→
29D
When doubled, a Hawaiian fish (4)
Starts with M, ends with IMAHI→
33D
One of four on a diamond (4)
Starts with B, ends with EBASE→
34D
Potters' options (5)
Starts with C, ends with SCLAYS→
35D
Rock's Emerson, Lake & Palmer, for one (4)
Starts with T, ends with OTRIO→
36D
"Paint the Town Red" rapper (7)
Starts with D, ends with TDOJACAT→
37D
Textbook example (7)
Starts with E, ends with EEPITOME→
38D
Moby Dick, to Ahab (7)
Starts with N, ends with SNEMESIS→
39D
Contents of a sleeve (3)
Starts with A, ends with MARM→
41D
Military choppers (7)
Starts with A, ends with SAPACHES→
42D
Sled pullers in the Arctic (7)
Starts with D, ends with MDOGTEAM→
43D
Wardrobe (7)
Starts with A, ends with EARMOIRE→
44D
Surprise (7)
Starts with S, ends with ESTARTLE→
46D
"So it goes" (6)
Starts with O, ends with LOHWELL→
49D
Shark diver's protection (4)
Starts with C, ends with ECAGE→
50D
Size between small and large: Abbr. (3)
Starts with M, ends with DMED→
53D
Partner of Crackle and Pop (4)
Starts with S, ends with PSNAP→
55D
Explosive stuff (3)
Starts with T, ends with TTNT→
57D
Observe (3)
Starts with S, ends with ESEE→
58D
Spanish article (3)
Starts with U, ends with AUNA→
How to solve the NYT Crossword
Fill the grid so that every Across and Down answer matches its clue. Numbered squares mark where answers begin. Theme answers, usually the longest entries, share a twist that the puzzle's title or a revealer clue explains. Thursday puzzles are known for rebus squares and other tricks that bend the normal rules.
Want the full method? Read our NYT Crossword strategy and tips, or check how to play the NYT Crossword on the hub.
NYT Crossword tips for tomorrow
- Start with Monday-level clues. Even on a Saturday, a handful of clues are straightforward. Find them and build outward from the crossings.
- Hunt for the revealer. A clue that references other entries or ends in "?" often explains the theme. Solving it first unlocks the long answers.
- Respect the day of the week. Thursday means tricks like rebus squares; Friday and Saturday mean long, clever fill with misleading clues.
Done for today? Try The Mini, The Midi, LA Times Crossword, all with hints first and answers behind a reveal.
Previous NYT Crossword puzzles
NYT Crossword FAQ
How many clues are in the NYT Crossword for April 21, 2025?+
76 clues: 39 Across and 37 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Thomas van Geel and edited by Will Shortz.
What are some answers in today’s NYT Crossword?+
For example: Manage, as a bar (TEND); Boneheaded (DUMB); Petri dish gel (AGAR).
What time does the NYT Crossword come out?+
The next day's puzzle is released at 10:00 pm Eastern Time Monday to Friday and at 6:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Where can I find past NYT Crossword answers?+
Every puzzle in our archive has its own page with all Across and Down answers, plus a page for each clue. Click any date above.
