NYT Midi Crossword hints and answers for September 23, 2026

Every clue with a hint and the answer behind separate buttons, so nothing is spoiled until you tap.

Clues30
Across13
Down17
ThemeStart the Music!

Today’s Midi 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

6A
"No ___, ands or buts!" (3)
Starts with I, ends with SIFS→
9A
Calmness under pressure (5)
Starts with P, ends with EPOISE→
10A
11A
Leader of the pack (9)
Starts with A, ends with EALPHAMALE→
13A
Salary bump (5)
Starts with R, ends with ERAISE→
14A
One with well-groomed dogs? (9)
Starts with F, ends with LFOOTMODEL→
18A
Tennis star Agassi (5)
Starts with A, ends with EANDRE→
24A
$1,000,000, casually (3)
Starts with M, ends with LMIL→
25A
Taste quality of soy sauce and miso (5)
Starts with U, ends with IUMAMI→
26A
"My bad," in a text (3)
Starts with S, ends with YSRY→
27A
Tribal emblem (5)
Starts with T, ends with MTOTEM→

Down

1D
Where you might get into hot water? (3)
Starts with S, ends with ASPA→
2D
"You've got mail" co. (3)
Starts with A, ends with LAOL→
3D
Sharp bark (3)
Starts with Y, ends with PYIP→
4D
Campfire residue (3)
Starts with A, ends with HASH→
6D
"Let me repeat ..." (5)
Starts with I, ends with DISAID→
8D
"Stainless" metal (5)
Starts with S, ends with LSTEEL→
12D
Chinese Communist Party leader Zedong (3)
Starts with M, ends with OMAO→
14D
Produces produce (5)
Starts with F, ends with SFARMS→
15D
Currently broadcasting (5)
Starts with O, ends with RONAIR→
16D
In a strange way (5)
Starts with O, ends with YODDLY→
17D
Swim-bike-run race, for short (3)
Starts with T, ends with ITRI→
20D
Med. care option (3)
Starts with H, ends with OHMO→
21D
"___, drink and be merry" (3)
Starts with E, ends with TEAT→
22D
Inits. in some Black churches (3)
Starts with A, ends with EAME→
23D
Faintly lit (3)
Starts with D, ends with MDIM→

How to solve the Midi

Click a square and type to fill the grid. Each clue is numbered and marked Across or Down. Like the Daily Crossword, the Midi gets bigger as the week goes on: early-week grids are compact 9x9 puzzles with around 30 clues, Thursday and Friday grow to 10x10, and weekend grids reach 11x11 with longer theme answers.

Want the full method? Read our Midi strategy and tips, our guide to crossword clue types, or check how to play the Midi on the hub.

Midi tips for tomorrow

  • Fill the gimmes first. Scan every clue once and fill in anything you know instantly, especially fill-in-the-blank clues. Those letters unlock the crossings.
  • Read the theme title. The theme name often points straight at the longest answers. Try them early, even with only a couple of letters in place.
  • Match tense and number. A clue in the past tense has a past-tense answer; a plural clue has a plural answer. “Took to court” means the answer likely ends in -ED.

Done for today? Try The Mini, NYT Crossword, Wordle, all with hints first and answers behind a reveal.

Previous Midi puzzles

Midi FAQ

How many clues are in the Midi for September 23, 2026?+

30 clues: 13 Across and 17 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Tarun Krishnamurthy and edited by Ian Livengood.

What are some answers in today’s Midi?+

For example: Request that might make you stick out your tongue (SAYAH); "No ___, ands or buts!" (IFS); Calmness under pressure (POISE).

What is the NYT Midi crossword?+

The Midi is a mid-sized daily crossword from New York Times Games. It sits between the 5x5 Mini and the 15x15 Daily Crossword in both size and difficulty.

Where can I find past Midi answers?+

Every past Midi on GameAnswers.com has its own page with clue-by-clue hints first and the full answers at the bottom. Click any date above.

Today’s other puzzle answers

Crossword guides