NYT Crossword hints and answer for May 1, 2026
Hints that get gradually more specific, then the answer if you need it. Nothing is revealed until you tap.
Clues68
Across35
Down33
ConstructorRena Cohen
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
Sticks in locks (4)
Starts with O, ends with SOARS→
5A
Philosopher who championed simple explanations (5)
Starts with O, ends with MOCCAM→
10A
CAT or PET follower (4)
Starts with S, ends with NSCAN→
14A
Element between fluorine and sodium (4)
Starts with N, ends with NNEON→
15A
Spongy exfoliator (5)
Starts with L, ends with ALOOFA→
16A
Body-sculpting procedure, informally (4)
Starts with L, ends with OLIPO→
17A
Animals whose Aztec name translates to "turtle-rabbit" (10)
Starts with A, ends with SARMADILLOS→
19A
Talks and talks (4)
Starts with Y, ends with SYAPS→
20A
Prepare, in military slang (11)
Starts with L, ends with DLOCKANDLOAD→
22A
It may be bitter (3)
Starts with A, ends with EALE→
23A
Some winds (5)
Starts with O, ends with SOBOES→
24A
Holiday that's also a Hebrew letter (3)
Starts with T, ends with TTET→
25A
"WandaVision" co-star Elizabeth ___ (5)
Starts with O, ends with NOLSEN→
27A
Baguettes, e.g. (4)
Starts with G, ends with SGEMS→
28A
Sign of canine contentment (3)
Starts with W, ends with GWAG→
29A
Rests on one's laurels (6)
Starts with C, ends with SCOASTS→
30A
Storybook, say (11)
Starts with M, ends with EMAKEBELIEVE→
32A
Announcements before giveaways? (13)
Starts with S, ends with SSPOILERALERTS→
35A
Like some romantic resorts (11)
Starts with C, ends with YCOUPLESONLY→
37A
Authorizes (3)
Starts with O, ends with SOKS→
38A
Satellite alternative (4)
Starts with A, ends with MAMFM→
42A
Retinue (5)
Starts with P, ends with EPOSSE→
43A
Combat sport, for short (3)
Starts with M, ends with AMMA→
44A
Company whose name comes from a term in the board game Go (5)
Starts with A, ends with IATARI→
45A
Word with thou (3)
Starts with A, ends with TART→
46A
A craving for snacks (11)
Starts with T, ends with STHEMUNCHIES→
49A
Dutch for "farmer" (4)
Starts with B, ends with RBOER→
51A
Eliminates entirely (10)
Starts with E, ends with SERADICATES→
52A
Skulk in the shadows (4)
Starts with L, ends with KLURK→
53A
Myosin's partner protein (5)
Starts with A, ends with NACTIN→
54A
Scruff : cat :: ___ : human (4)
Starts with N, ends with ENAPE→
55A
Big name in petrol (4)
Starts with E, ends with OESSO→
56A
Angle variable, in math (5)
Starts with T, ends with ATHETA→
57A
ENE and WSW (4)
Starts with D, ends with SDIRS→
Down
1D
Bump's place, idiomatically (6)
Starts with O, ends with GONALOG→
2D
Oxygen-dependent micro-organism (6)
Starts with A, ends with EAEROBE→
3D
"Crazy Rich Asians," for one (6)
Starts with R, ends with MROMCOM→
4D
Backstabbers (6)
Starts with S, ends with SSNAKES→
5D
"Hunters" actress Lena (4)
Starts with O, ends with NOLIN→
6D
Uncontroversial opinions (9)
Starts with C, ends with SCOLDTAKES→
7D
Dorm buddy (15)
Starts with C, ends with ECOLLEGEROOMMATE→
8D
Underway (5)
Starts with A, ends with TAFOOT→
9D
Dough in tamales (4)
Starts with M, ends with AMASA→
11D
Plant overseas, perhaps (8)
Starts with C, ends with TCIAASSET→
12D
Devices that come with Siri Remotes (8)
Starts with A, ends with SAPPLETVS→
13D
What a babbler makes (7)
Starts with N, ends with ENOSENSE→
18D
Court figs. (3)
Starts with D, ends with SDAS→
21D
"Tom ___" (classic folk song that became a #1 hit in 1958) (6)
Starts with D, ends with YDOOLEY→
26D
Place to hibernate (4)
Starts with L, ends with RLAIR→
28D
Home of Swansea and Wrexham (5)
Starts with W, ends with SWALES→
29D
There are approximately 30 trillion of these in the human body (5)
Starts with C, ends with SCELLS→
30D
Gluten-free grain (6)
Starts with M, ends with TMILLET→
31D
Annual F.D.I.C. requirement (9)
Starts with B, ends with TBANKAUDIT→
32D
Deep and full (8)
Starts with S, ends with SSONOROUS→
33D
Lovers of homophones, say (8)
Starts with P, ends with SPUNSTERS→
34D
Impressive work (4)
Starts with O, ends with SOPUS→
35D
Adjective that's synonymous with its last four letters (7)
Starts with C, ends with ECAPABLE→
38D
Convenient (6)
Starts with A, ends with DATHAND→
39D
Tiki bar staple (6)
Starts with M, ends with IMAITAI→
40D
What positive news coverage is for business (6)
Starts with F, ends with RFREEPR→
41D
Section of a dress shop (6)
Starts with M, ends with SMISSES→
44D
U.N.C.'s athletic org. (3)
Starts with A, ends with CACC→
47D
Part of a race (4)
Starts with H, ends with THEAT→
48D
"Project Runway" judge Garcia (4)
Starts with N, ends with ANINA→
50D
"King Kong" studio (3)
Starts with R, ends with ORKO→
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 May 1, 2026?+
68 clues: 35 Across and 33 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Rena Cohen and edited by Will Shortz.
What are some answers in today’s NYT Crossword?+
For example: Sticks in locks (OARS); Philosopher who championed simple explanations (OCCAM); CAT or PET follower (SCAN).
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.
