NYT Midi Crossword Clue · Down · 4-D

Sound in a sleep stage, perhaps

From the Saturday, May 30, 2026 puzzleAnswer: 9 lettersBy Kareem Ayas
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Letters
9
Direction
Down
Clue #
4
Starts with
Z
Ends with
Z
Vowels
0

About this clue

The clue “Sound in a sleep stage, perhaps” appeared in the New York Times Midi Crossword on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at position 4-D. The answer is a 9-letter word or phrase that starts with Z and ends with Z.

This puzzle was titled “Dream Scenario” and constructed by Kareem Ayas, edited by Ian Livengood.

The Midi Crossword sits between the lightning-fast Mini and the full daily, so its cluing tends toward punny misdirection rather than obscure trivia. With just 0 vowels, the answer is consonant-heavy — possibly an abbreviation or proper noun. Note that the answer contains a double letter.

How to solve this clue

If you're stuck on this Midi clue, here are angles that often help:

  • Crosscheck with the perpendicular entries. Fill the Across entries that cross this one and the letters will usually reveal the answer.
  • Watch for the puzzle title. Midi puzzles usually carry a small theme — long Across entries that share a wordplay link.
  • Mind the part of speech. Singular clue takes a singular answer; past tense takes -ED or an irregular past form.
  • Trust your first instinct. If a clue feels easy in the Midi, it usually is — the puzzle is designed to be solvable in three to five minutes.