NYT Crossword hints and answer for August 16, 2025

Hints that get gradually more specific, then the answer if you need it. Nothing is revealed until you tap.

Clues64
Across33
Down31
ConstructorByron Walden

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
Beauty lounge, of a sort (10)
Starts with B, ends with RBLOWDRYBAR→
11A
Calm (4)
Starts with H, ends with HHUSH→
16A
Cash on hand? (4)
Starts with A, ends with EANTE→
17A
French kiss kissers (10)
Starts with O, ends with SOPENMOUTHS→
18A
Pull (4)
Starts with S, ends with YSWAY→
19A
Leading counsel? (10)
Starts with B, ends with EBESTADVICE→
20A
Parting word (4)
Starts with T, ends with ATATA→
21A
One of the First Nations (4)
Starts with C, ends with ECREE→
22A
Tied up (7)
Starts with A, ends with NALLEVEN→
27A
Melancholy 1964 #1 hit for Bobby Vinton (8)
Starts with M, ends with YMRLONELY→
29A
Spots (5)
Starts with S, ends with SSITES→
30A
N.B.A. stat: Abbr. (3)
Starts with R, ends with BREB→
31A
Slightly (4)
Starts with A, ends with DATAD→
32A
Practitioner of black magic (5)
Starts with H, ends with RHEXER→
33A
Kind of box for media watchers (4)
Starts with T, ends with OTIVO→
35A
Machine for a highway crew (5)
Starts with P, ends with RPAVER→
36A
Like bismuth and bitcoin (5)
Starts with M, ends with DMINED→
37A
Swimwear that can be worn as shorts (8)
Starts with B, ends with SBOARDIES→
39A
Full of snickers (6)
Starts with G, ends with YGIGGLY→
40A
Try to break, as a bad habit (7)
Starts with U, ends with NUNLEARN→
41A
Curve that's high and outside? (4)
Starts with A, ends with HARCH→
48A
Staple of an outdoor reception (4)
Starts with T, ends with TTENT→
49A
Became a marquee name, say (10)
Starts with R, ends with EROSETOFAME→
50A
Logical connective (4)
Starts with E, ends with OERGO→
51A
Lovers of "Emma" and "Persuasion" (10)
Starts with A, ends with SAUSTENITES→
52A
Equine color (4)
Starts with R, ends with NROAN→
53A
Way to begin gaming, say (10)
Starts with P, ends with TPRESSSTART→

Down

2D
Run easily (4)
Starts with L, ends with ELOPE→
3D
Hasn't settled up (4)
Starts with O, ends with SOWES→
4D
Foundered, as an investigation (8)
Starts with W, ends with DWENTCOLD→
5D
6D
Largest of the Dodecanese Islands (6)
Starts with R, ends with SRHODES→
7D
"___ changed" (5)
Starts with Y, ends with EYOUVE→
8D
"___ disagree" (4)
Starts with B, ends with IBUTI→
10D
One who profits from eBay, say (8)
Starts with R, ends with RRESELLER→
11D
Expedite (6)
Starts with H, ends with NHASTEN→
12D
Rock solid (10)
Starts with U, ends with GUNWAVERING→
14D
Call to whomever (10)
Starts with H, ends with YHEYANYBODY→
23D
___ Alamitos, Calif. (3)
Starts with L, ends with SLOS→
24D
Dairy spread in a health food store (10)
Starts with G, ends with RGOATBUTTER→
25D
Bond classification (10)
Starts with A, ends with OACTIONHERO→
27D
Is a social butterfly (5)
Starts with M, ends with SMIXES→
32D
Shower drain protector (8)
Starts with H, ends with PHAIRTRAP→
33D
Property of a wet suit or shapewear (8)
Starts with T, ends with TTIGHTFIT→
35D
Smack in the middle of a crowd, in brief? (3)
Starts with P, ends with APDA→
36D
Units for measuring bacteria and dust (7)
Starts with M, ends with SMICRONS→
38D
Surmount (6)
Starts with R, ends with NRESTON→
39D
Hazards for high heels (6)
Starts with G, ends with SGRATES→
41D
Provides job assistance? (5)
Starts with A, ends with SABETS→
44D
To be, to Brutus (4)
Starts with E, ends with EESSE→
45D
___ Hari (4)
Starts with M, ends with AMATA→
46D
Part of A.S.L.: Abbr. (4)
Starts with A, ends with RAMER→
47D
Group of spies, say (4)
Starts with N, ends with TNEST→

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 August 16, 2025?+

64 clues: 33 Across and 31 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Byron Walden and edited by Will Shortz.

What are some answers in today’s NYT Crossword?+

For example: Beauty lounge, of a sort (BLOWDRYBAR); Calm (HUSH); Mexico's Chamber of Deputies or France's National Assembly, for example (LOWERHOUSE).

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.

Today’s other puzzle answers

NYT Crossword guides