NYT Crossword hints and answer for March 21, 2026

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

Clues66
Across33
Down33
ConstructorBoaz Moser

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
Parts of a story structure? (6)
Starts with I, ends with SIBEAMS→
7A
Case managers? (7)
Starts with S, ends with SSLEUTHS→
14A
Lead-in to "Go!" (6)
Starts with G, ends with TGETSET→
15A
"No more for me!" (8)
Starts with I, ends with TIWANTOUT→
16A
Gym amenity (6)
Starts with L, ends with RLOCKER→
18A
Be behind (3)
Starts with O, ends with EOWE→
19A
21A
Notable city in civil rights history (5)
Starts with S, ends with ASELMA→
22A
On the ___ (not friendly) (4)
Starts with O, ends with SOUTS→
24A
Chucks, slangily (5)
Starts with Y, ends with SYEETS→
26A
Stink (4)
Starts with R, ends with KREEK→
27A
It's not nice to walk in this (5)
Starts with S, ends with TSLEET→
29A
Game with shooters (5)
Starts with C, ends with SCRAPS→
31A
Brady bunch?: Abbr. (3)
Starts with T, ends with STDS→
32A
37A
Impulsive, as a decision (11)
Starts with S, ends with DSPLITSECOND→
39A
Reserved (3)
Starts with S, ends with YSHY→
42A
Scuffle (5)
Starts with S, ends with OSETTO→
45A
Very busy, with "up" (4)
Starts with T, ends with DTIED→
47A
Word with corn or cough (5)
Starts with S, ends with PSYRUP→
49A
[Love you!] (4)
Starts with M, ends with HMWAH→
50A
Debate (5)
Starts with A, ends with EARGUE→
52A
Titular Dr. Seuss character (5)
Starts with L, ends with XLORAX→
54A
"What's your ___?" (3)
Starts with E, ends with AETA→
55A
Accepted defeat, in modern parlance (8)
Starts with T, ends with LTOOKTHEL→
57A
Heavy (6)
Starts with L, ends with NLEADEN→
59A
Not accepting, perhaps (8)
Starts with I, ends with LINDENIAL→
60A
Join arms? (6)
Starts with E, ends with TENLIST→
61A
Cavalry member in Russia, historically (7)
Starts with C, ends with KCOSSACK→
62A
Twee (6)
Starts with D, ends with YDAINTY→

Down

1D
Block housing (6)
Starts with I, ends with SIGLOOS→
3D
"And so forth" (8)
Starts with E, ends with AETCETERA→
4D
5D
Encounter (4)
Starts with M, ends with TMEET→
6D
Go way off (5)
Starts with S, ends with YSTRAY→
8D
Chill, maybe (3)
Starts with L, ends with XLAX→
9D
Creatures that attack Isengard, in fantasy (4)
Starts with E, ends with SENTS→
10D
Total (5)
Starts with U, ends with RUTTER→
11D
Word with paper or humor (6)
Starts with T, ends with TTOILET→
12D
Breezed (along) (6)
Starts with H, ends with DHUMMED→
13D
Big cuts? (6)
Starts with S, ends with SSTEAKS→
15D
Digital provocateur (13)
Starts with I, ends with LINTERNETTROLL→
20D
Breach (12)
Starts with S, ends with KSECURITYLEAK→
23D
Visionary people (5)
Starts with S, ends with SSEERS→
25D
Valuable commodity in "Dune" (5)
Starts with S, ends with ESPICE→
28D
Short-term workers (5)
Starts with T, ends with STEMPS→
30D
Have a nosh (5)
Starts with S, ends with KSNACK→
33D
They've been played! (5)
Starts with R, ends with SROLES→
34D
36D
Stuck under a blanket, perhaps (8)
Starts with S, ends with NSNOWEDIN→
38D
Makeup exam? (7)
Starts with D, ends with TDNATEST→
39D
Not going anywhere (6)
Starts with S, ends with CSTATIC→
40D
Hawaii senator Mazie (6)
Starts with H, ends with OHIRONO→
41D
"Gadzooks!" (6)
Starts with Y, ends with SYEGODS→
44D
Shabby shelter (6)
Starts with S, ends with YSHANTY→
46D
"Put up your ___!" (5)
Starts with D, ends with SDUKES→
48D
Blanched (5)
Starts with P, ends with DPALED→
51D
Mountain said to house Hephaestus' forges (4)
Starts with E, ends with AETNA→
53D
Amazon affiliate on TV (4)
Starts with X, ends with AXENA→
56D
Grabbin' Grape juice brand (3)
Starts with H, ends with CHIC→
58D
Actor Mahershala (3)
Starts with A, ends with IALI→

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 March 21, 2026?+

66 clues: 33 Across and 33 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Boaz Moser and edited by Will Shortz.

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

For example: Parts of a story structure? (IBEAMS); Case managers? (SLEUTHS); Lead-in to "Go!" (GETSET).

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