NYT Crossword hints and answer for January 23, 2026

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

Clues70
Across35
Down35
ConstructorJoyce Keller

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
Barely enough (5)
Starts with S, ends with TSCANT→
6A
What some may be dyeing to conceal? (4)
Starts with G, ends with YGRAY→
10A
Environmental concern (4)
Starts with S, ends with GSMOG→
14A
"Don't be absurd!" (10)
Starts with O, ends with EOHPUHLEASE→
16A
___ Mountain (ski area in Killington, Vt.) (4)
Starts with P, ends with OPICO→
17A
She's out there! (10)
Starts with L, ends with RLESBIANBAR→
18A
Many a choirgirl (4)
Starts with A, ends with OALTO→
19A
"Black-ish" patriarch (3)
Starts with D, ends with EDRE→
20A
Dulcet (5)
Starts with S, ends with TSWEET→
21A
Fiddle with feathers, say (5)
Starts with P, ends with NPREEN→
22A
Backstreet ___ (4)
Starts with B, ends with SBOYS→
23A
Like kyawthuite, among gems (6)
Starts with R, ends with TRAREST→
25A
Designer Geoffrey (5)
Starts with B, ends with EBEENE→
27A
A-list (6)
Starts with S, ends with TSELECT→
28A
Like quartzite vis-à-vis quartz (6)
Starts with H, ends with RHARDER→
29A
They really click as a pair (8)
Starts with T, ends with STAPSHOES→
32A
Masters of manipulation (5)
Starts with U, ends with SUSERS→
33A
Commercial preceder of Geo (3)
Starts with N, ends with TNAT→
34A
Capital near the Red Sea (5)
Starts with S, ends with ASANAA→
35A
Micromobility option (8)
Starts with E, ends with RESCOOTER→
37A
On the level (6)
Starts with H, ends with THONEST→
38A
Mouth organ (6)
Starts with T, ends with ETONGUE→
39A
Internal turmoil (5)
Starts with A, ends with TANGST→
40A
Say "I do," say (6)
Starts with C, ends with TCOMMIT→
41A
One may be carried in a concert hall (4)
Starts with T, ends with ETUNE→
42A
Recent recruit (5)
Starts with H, ends with EHIREE→
43A
First name on the Supreme Court (5)
Starts with E, ends with AELENA→
45A
Zilch (3)
Starts with Z, ends with PZIP→
48A
Cushy (4)
Starts with E, ends with YEASY→
51A
Out of joint? (4)
Starts with F, ends with EFREE→
53A
Ink (4)
Starts with T, ends with STATS→
54A
Apt rhyme for "pads" (4)
Starts with A, ends with SADDS→
55A
Guck (5)
Starts with S, ends with ESLIME→

Down

1D
Completely convinced (4)
Starts with S, ends with DSOLD→
2D
French letter opener (4)
Starts with C, ends with RCHER→
3D
Niche for a shrine (4)
Starts with A, ends with EAPSE→
4D
Essence of the matter (3)
Starts with N, ends with BNUB→
5D
"I'll take the blame" (12)
Starts with T, ends with ETHISONESONME→
6D
Some body builders? (5)
Starts with G, ends with SGENES→
7D
Broccoli ___ (4)
Starts with R, ends with ERABE→
8D
How to look at your hot fudge sundae (8)
Starts with A, ends with TASATREAT→
9D
A little possessive, perhaps? (3)
Starts with Y, ends with RYER→
10D
Pocket money (11)
Starts with S, ends with ESPARECHANGE→
11D
Momentous moments (10)
Starts with M, ends with SMILESTONES→
12D
Bits in a byte, e.g. (5)
Starts with O, ends with TOCTET→
13D
"I'm listening" (4)
Starts with G, ends with NGOON→
15D
One who's on the defense, perhaps (6)
Starts with L, ends with RLAWYER→
21D
Digital applications? (12)
Starts with P, ends with SPRESSONNAILS→
22D
Longing look (11)
Starts with B, ends with SBEDROOMEYES→
24D
Rigi of Switzerland, e.g. (3)
Starts with A, ends with PALP→
25D
One setting on speakers (4)
Starts with B, ends with SBASS→
26D
Classic toy for budding engineers (10)
Starts with E, ends with TERECTORSET→
27D
Long look (5)
Starts with S, ends with ESTARE→
28D
Peach or plum (3)
Starts with H, ends with EHUE→
30D
Interest of Marco Polo, with "the" (4)
Starts with E, ends with TEAST→
31D
Settled on the bottom? (3)
Starts with S, ends with TSAT→
33D
Gelded (8)
Starts with N, ends with DNEUTERED→
36D
___ Fridays (3)
Starts with T, ends with ITGI→
37D
Hangouts (6)
Starts with H, ends with SHAUNTS→
41D
They make streaks on cheeks (5)
Starts with T, ends with STEARS→
42D
Mass (4)
Starts with H, ends with THEFT→
44D
Tip (4)
Starts with L, ends with DLEAD→
45D
Trattoria tubes (4)
Starts with Z, ends with IZITI→
46D
Couple (4)
Starts with I, ends with MITEM→
47D
Funeral ___ (4)
Starts with P, ends with EPYRE→
49D
Texter's "ciao" (3)
Starts with C, ends with ACYA→
50D
Late actor Kilmer (3)
Starts with V, ends with LVAL→

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 January 23, 2026?+

70 clues: 35 Across and 35 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Joyce Keller and edited by Will Shortz.

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

For example: Barely enough (SCANT); What some may be dyeing to conceal? (GRAY); Environmental concern (SMOG).

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

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