NYT Crossword hints and answer for July 18, 2025

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

Clues66
Across32
Down34
ConstructorKelly Morenus

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
Makes good (6)
Starts with A, ends with SATONES→
7A
Down (6)
Starts with I, ends with TINGEST→
13A
"Psycho" screenwriter Joseph ___ (7)
Starts with S, ends with OSTEFANO→
14A
Uncertain (7)
Starts with N, ends with ENOTSURE→
16A
"Well, tough!" (15)
Starts with T, ends with DTHATSJUSTTOOBAD→
18A
Hi-___ (3)
Starts with R, ends with SRES→
19A
Humdingers (7)
Starts with C, ends with SCORKERS→
20A
Certain fraternity guy, informally (3)
Starts with S, ends with GSIG→
23A
Instrument with a deep, rounded back (4)
Starts with L, ends with ELUTE→
24A
Cutting tool (5)
Starts with P, ends with RPARER→
25A
"My Old ___" (2024 coming-of-age film) (3)
Starts with A, ends with SASS→
26A
Staff notes (5)
Starts with M, ends with SMEMOS→
27A
Recent, as a memory (5)
Starts with F, ends with HFRESH→
29A
Winter athlete (5)
Starts with L, ends with RLUGER→
31A
Verbal flourishes (5)
Starts with T, ends with STADAS→
32A
Between then and now (5)
Starts with S, ends with ESINCE→
33A
Shepherd's warning (5)
Starts with G, ends with LGROWL→
34A
Olympian Owens (5)
Starts with J, ends with EJESSE→
35A
Receiving end? (3)
Starts with G, ends with EGEE→
36A
Works one's way up (5)
Starts with R, ends with SRISES→
40A
Place to put a pin (4)
Starts with A, ends with EAXLE→
41A
Explicit subject for her? (10)
Starts with A, ends with TANTECEDENT→
43A
Figure skater Midori (3)
Starts with I, ends with OITO→
44A
Concocts (7)
Starts with C, ends with SCREATES→
45A
Farm cry (3)
Starts with M, ends with AMAA→
46A
Going overboard with the praise (15)
Starts with L, ends with KLAYINGITONTHICK→
49A
"We don't need to know all the details" (7)
Starts with S, ends with SSPAREUS→
50A
Mixing board (7)
Starts with P, ends with EPALETTE→
51A
Lifts up (6)
Starts with E, ends with SELATES→
52A
Theater class assignments (6)
Starts with S, ends with SSCENES→

Down

2D
Short preview (6)
Starts with T, ends with RTEASER→
3D
Poetic adverb (3)
Starts with O, ends with TOFT→
4D
5D
Find pleasure in (5)
Starts with E, ends with YENJOY→
6D
Whiskey distiller's mixture (8)
Starts with S, ends with HSOURMASH→
7D
Buries (6)
Starts with I, ends with SINTERS→
8D
French possessive (5)
Starts with N, ends with ENOTRE→
9D
Classic hot rods (4)
Starts with G, ends with SGTOS→
10D
That, in Mexico (3)
Starts with E, ends with OESO→
11D
Absorbs (8)
Starts with S, ends with SSUBSUMES→
12D
Quisling, e.g. (7)
Starts with T, ends with RTRAITOR→
13D
Blade sharpener (5)
Starts with S, ends with PSTROP→
15D
They might be rough or perforated (5)
Starts with E, ends with SEDGES→
17D
Tiny bit (5)
Starts with S, ends with HSKOSH→
22D
Part of a trial (7)
Starts with D, ends with EDEFENSE→
23D
Driver's license, e.g. (7)
Starts with L, ends with DLEGALID→
26D
Fight dirty? (10)
Starts with M, ends with EMUDWRESTLE→
28D
Dijon season (3)
Starts with E, ends with EETE→
29D
Luang Prabang native (3)
Starts with L, ends with OLAO→
30D
Like a 12-Down (8)
Starts with D, ends with LDISLOYAL→
32D
Congressional record? (7)
Starts with S, ends with ESEXTAPE→
33D
Imply (5)
Starts with G, ends with TGETAT→
35D
Rock with bands (6)
Starts with G, ends with SGNEISS→
37D
Akkadian or Phoenician (6)
Starts with S, ends with ESEMITE→
38D
Passes (6)
Starts with E, ends with SENACTS→
39D
Sight in a tomato patch (5)
Starts with S, ends with ESTAKE→
41D
Contest (5)
Starts with A, ends with EARGUE→
42D
Comedian Wyatt (5)
Starts with C, ends with CCENAC→
44D
Tech news site (4)
Starts with C, ends with TCNET→
47D
48D
Maternal figure (3)
Starts with H, ends with NHEN→

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 July 18, 2025?+

66 clues: 32 Across and 34 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Kelly Morenus and edited by Will Shortz.

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

For example: Makes good (ATONES); Down (INGEST); "Psycho" screenwriter Joseph ___ (STEFANO).

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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