NYT Crossword hints and answer for October 17, 2026
Hints that get gradually more specific, then the answer if you need it. Nothing is revealed until you tap.
Clues66
Across33
Down33
ConstructorAugust Miller
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
It has its limits, in brief (4)
Starts with C, ends with CCALC→
5A
Award-winning culinary documentary series (10)
Starts with C, ends with ECHEFSTABLE→
15A
High number, perhaps (4)
Starts with A, ends with AARIA→
16A
Where some family secrets may be written (10)
Starts with R, ends with KRECIPEBOOK→
17A
Displaying finesse (4)
Starts with D, ends with TDEFT→
18A
Actress who plays Trudy on "Mad Men" and Annie on "Community" (10)
Starts with A, ends with EALISONBRIE→
19A
Mothers in cotes (4)
Starts with E, ends with SEWES→
20A
Bedtime attire (10)
Starts with N, ends with SNIGHTDRESS→
21A
Silicon Valley V.I.P. (7)
Starts with T, ends with OTECHCEO→
23A
Oslo Accords grp. (3)
Starts with P, ends with OPLO→
24A
Gold medalist in women's soccer and women's team foil (fencing) at 2024's Olympics, in brief (5)
Starts with T, ends with STHEUS→
25A
Part of many home improvement projects (8)
Starts with P, ends with BPAINTJOB→
30A
Fissile rock (5)
Starts with S, ends with ESHALE→
31A
Party leader? (4)
Starts with H, ends with THOST→
32A
Something seized, for short (4)
Starts with R, ends with OREPO→
33A
Outdoor accommodations with flies (5)
Starts with T, ends with STENTS→
34A
"One ___" (Elizabeth Bishop poem that repeats the line "The ___ of losing isn't hard to master") (3)
Starts with A, ends with TART→
35A
Skin care brand from Japan (5)
Starts with C, ends with LCUREL→
37A
Give credit to (4)
Starts with C, ends with ECITE→
38A
Suitable for a game of 20 Questions, in a way (5)
Starts with Y, ends with OYESNO→
39A
Establishments selling craft products? (8)
Starts with B, ends with SBEERBARS→
41A
Appears less impressive (5)
Starts with P, ends with SPALES→
42A
It's meant to be believed (3)
Starts with I, ends with MISM→
45A
Meet an unmet need (10)
Starts with F, ends with PFILLTHEGAP→
50A
___ bowl (4)
Starts with A, ends with IACAI→
51A
Queue words (10)
Starts with O, ends with EONEATATIME→
52A
Discover alternative (4)
Starts with V, ends with AVISA→
53A
54A
___ mess (British dessert) (4)
Starts with E, ends with NETON→
55A
Traditional Passover dish (10)
Starts with S, ends with ESEDERPLATE→
56A
Scot's word meaning "past" (4)
Starts with S, ends with ESYNE→
Down
1D
Academy figure (5)
Starts with C, ends with TCADET→
2D
Line of passengers? (10)
Starts with A, ends with EAREWETHERE→
3D
Relocating to a different country, e.g. (10)
Starts with L, ends with ELIFECHANGE→
4D
Destination for many a rescue (10)
Starts with C, ends with RCATSHELTER→
5D
Birds whose wings might be folded? (6)
Starts with C, ends with SCRANES→
6D
Prefix with -trope (5)
Starts with H, ends with OHELIO→
7D
Modern pen, of a sort (4)
Starts with E, ends with GECIG→
8D
Seafood-based ingredient in Eastern cuisines (9)
Starts with F, ends with EFISHPASTE→
9D
Like someone performing a monologue, maybe (7)
Starts with S, ends with TSPOTLIT→
10D
Part of the hamstring (6)
Starts with T, ends with NTENDON→
11D
Fem. or masc. (4)
Starts with A, ends with RABBR→
12D
Tunnel (into) (4)
Starts with B, ends with EBORE→
13D
Lane in Superman movies (4)
Starts with L, ends with SLOIS→
14D
Just gets (by) (4)
Starts with E, ends with SEKES→
22D
"Psst" and "Go!" (4)
Starts with C, ends with SCUES→
25D
Things that ships, computers and wine retailers all have (5)
Starts with P, ends with SPORTS→
26D
Plant parts that develop as a seedling grows (10)
Starts with T, ends with STRUELEAVES→
27D
Urban locale that looks out on Ellis Island (10)
Starts with J, ends with YJERSEYCITY→
28D
When anything goes (10)
Starts with O, ends with NOPENSEASON→
29D
Tie with string (4)
Starts with B, ends with OBOLO→
30D
One getting ripped off at a venue (4)
Starts with S, ends with BSTUB→
31D
Poison classification (9)
Starts with H, ends with LHAIRMETAL→
35D
Relative of turquoise (4)
Starts with C, ends with NCYAN→
37D
Competitor of Venmo (7)
Starts with C, ends with PCASHAPP→
40D
Like the herbs on a 55-Across (6)
Starts with B, ends with RBITTER→
41D
Wimpy friend? (6)
Starts with P, ends with EPOPEYE→
43D
"The Duck Variations" playwright (5)
Starts with M, ends with TMAMET→
44D
Lane in Superman movies (5)
Starts with D, ends with EDIANE→
45D
States of confusion (4)
Starts with F, ends with SFOGS→
47D
Material theorized as a possible cause of ancient Rome's decline, given its widespread use (4)
Starts with L, ends with DLEAD→
48D
Berate, with "into" (4)
Starts with L, ends with ELACE→
49D
___ monster (4)
Starts with G, ends with AGILA→
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 October 17, 2026?+
66 clues: 33 Across and 33 Down. The puzzle was constructed by August Miller and edited by Will Shortz.
What are some answers in today’s NYT Crossword?+
For example: It has its limits, in brief (CALC); Award-winning culinary documentary series (CHEFSTABLE); High number, perhaps (ARIA).
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.
