NYT Crossword hints and answer for May 16, 2025
Hints that get gradually more specific, then the answer if you need it. Nothing is revealed until you tap.
Clues72
Across35
Down37
ConstructorAugust Lee-Kovach
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
One shooting for the stars? (9)
Starts with S, ends with PSPACESHIP→
10A
Carnival treat (5)
Starts with T, ends with YTAFFY→
15A
One-stop shopping spot (9)
Starts with M, ends with EMEGASTORE→
16A
Ancient Greek marketplace (5)
Starts with A, ends with AAGORA→
17A
"Words fail me ..." (9)
Starts with I, ends with NICANTEVEN→
18A
___ Walcott, 1992 Literature Nobelist from St. Lucia (5)
Starts with D, ends with KDEREK→
19A
The "1" of 3-1-4, say (4)
Starts with L, ends with SLOSS→
20A
Stave (off) (4)
Starts with F, ends with DFEND→
22A
Second sight (3)
Starts with E, ends with PESP→
23A
Who said "Where id is, there shall ego be" (5)
Starts with F, ends with DFREUD→
25A
Chase, as some flies (4)
Starts with S, ends with GSHAG→
27A
"You bet!" (4)
Starts with I, ends with SITIS→
29A
Cry from a captive (7)
Starts with L, ends with OLETMEGO→
31A
Pool owner's problem (5)
Starts with A, ends with EALGAE→
34A
Noted stratovolcano that last erupted in 1707-08 (4)
Starts with F, ends with IFUJI→
35A
___ Unseld, 1969 N.B.A. M.V.P. (3)
Starts with W, ends with SWES→
36A
Mad scientist's creation (15)
Starts with D, ends with EDOOMSDAYMACHINE→
40A
Nonprofit grp. founded during W.W. II (3)
Starts with U, ends with OUSO→
41A
"Absolutamente!" (4)
Starts with S, ends with ISISI→
42A
"Roots" surname (5)
Starts with K, ends with EKINTE→
43A
Decorative work with bricks (7)
Starts with L, ends with TLEGOART→
45A
Essential (4)
Starts with M, ends with TMUST→
47A
Like some stories and ships (4)
Starts with T, ends with LTALL→
48A
It might grab a bite to eat (5)
Starts with T, ends with NTALON→
50A
Capture … or abandon (3)
Starts with B, ends with GBAG→
53A
Course finale (4)
Starts with T, ends with TTEST→
56A
Bursting (with) (4)
Starts with R, ends with ERIFE→
57A
Superfast puzzle solver, of a sort (5)
Starts with C, ends with RCUBER→
58A
"Bravo, me!" (9)
Starts with I, ends with TINAILEDIT→
60A
Like a person getting a massage, usually (5)
Starts with P, ends with EPRONE→
61A
Sarcastic reply when someone quotes "Star Trek" (9)
Starts with N, ends with TNERDALERT→
62A
Given to fidgeting (5)
Starts with A, ends with YANTSY→
63A
Big gain with no pain (9)
Starts with E, ends with YEASYMONEY→
Down
1D
Something said before a click (5)
Starts with S, ends with ESMILE→
2D
River through Santa Fe National Forest (5)
Starts with P, ends with SPECOS→
3D
Flabbergasted (5)
Starts with A, ends with PAGASP→
5D
Ballpark fig. (3)
Starts with E, ends with TEST→
6D
Tennis's Graf (6)
Starts with S, ends with ISTEFFI→
7D
Remains overhead, say (6)
Starts with H, ends with SHOVERS→
8D
She outwitted Sherlock in "A Scandal in Bohemia" (5)
Starts with I, ends with EIRENE→
9D
Aid for a hypnotist (8)
Starts with P, ends with MPENDULUM→
10D
Wee bits (4)
Starts with T, ends with STADS→
11D
Certain hiring bias (6)
Starts with A, ends with MAGEISM→
12D
Announcer's call before a potential buzzer beater (9)
Starts with F, ends with NFORTHEWIN→
13D
Unsigned athlete (9)
Starts with F, ends with TFREEAGENT→
14D
Its milk is a source of chhurpi (Nepalese cheese) (3)
Starts with Y, ends with KYAK→
24D
___ vu (4)
Starts with D, ends with ADEJA→
26D
"Check it out!" (5)
Starts with G, ends with EGOSEE→
27D
Soy : Spanish :: ___ : English: (3)
Starts with I, ends with MIAM→
28D
Actress Thompson of "Selma" (5)
Starts with T, ends with ATESSA→
30D
Indications of passing time (5)
Starts with T, ends with STICKS→
31D
One whose voice is a muted trombone in "Peanuts" (5)
Starts with A, ends with TADULT→
32D
Tough draw (9)
Starts with L, ends with NLOSEATURN→
33D
It crawls around the web (9)
Starts with G, ends with TGOOGLEBOT→
34D
"Just so u know ..." (3)
Starts with F, ends with IFYI→
38D
Radioactive element whose name is derived from the Greek for "unstable" (8)
Starts with A, ends with EASTATINE→
39D
Success in a game of Battleship (3)
Starts with H, ends with THIT→
44D
Mary-Kate and Ashley (6)
Starts with O, ends with SOLSENS→
45D
They may grab a bite to eat (6)
Starts with M, ends with SMOLARS→
46D
Chaotic (6)
Starts with U, ends with YUNTIDY→
49D
Top of a schedule, usually (5)
Starts with L, ends with ALINEA→
50D
Only Catholic U.S. president besides J.F.K. (5)
Starts with B, ends with NBIDEN→
52D
Cultural attraction in L.A., with "the" (5)
Starts with G, ends with YGETTY→
54D
It's a long shot (4)
Starts with T, ends with YTREY→
56D
Move, informally (4)
Starts with R, ends with ORELO→
57D
Bookkeeper, for short (3)
Starts with C, ends with ACPA→
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 16, 2025?+
72 clues: 35 Across and 37 Down. The puzzle was constructed by August Lee-Kovach and edited by Will Shortz.
What are some answers in today’s NYT Crossword?+
For example: One shooting for the stars? (SPACESHIP); Carnival treat (TAFFY); One-stop shopping spot (MEGASTORE).
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.
