NYT Midi Crossword hints and answers for September 26, 2026

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

Clues36
Across19
Down17
ThemeTake Two!

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

1A
Birth month for many Libras: Abbr. (3)
Starts with O, ends with TOCT→
4A
Tardy animal in "Alice in Wonderland" (6)
Starts with R, ends with TRABBIT→
10A
Animal from Down Under, for short (3)
Starts with R, ends with OROO→
11A
Low tie score (6)
Starts with O, ends with EONEONE→
12A
Comic-___ (3)
Starts with C, ends with NCON→
13A
Position (6)
Starts with S, ends with ESTANCE→
14A
Defense that might lead to exoneration (5)
Starts with A, ends with IALIBI→
17A
Loosen, as a knot (5)
Starts with U, ends with EUNTIE→
19A
Interest stat (3)
Starts with A, ends with RAPR→
24A
Fermented apple juice (5)
Starts with C, ends with RCIDER→
26A
Profile ___ (3)
Starts with P, ends with CPIC→
27A
Formalwear named after a New York village (6)
Starts with T, ends with OTUXEDO→
28A
Campfire residue (3)
Starts with A, ends with HASH→
30A
Surface a Zamboni resurfaces (3)
Starts with I, ends with EICE→
31A
Analyze, as a sentence (5)
Starts with P, ends with EPARSE→
32A
Fishing tool (3)
Starts with R, ends with DROD→

Down

1D
Killer whale (4)
Starts with O, ends with AORCA→
2D
"Be ___" ("Act casual") (4)
Starts with C, ends with LCOOL→
3D
Morrison who wrote "Sula" (4)
Starts with T, ends with ITONI→
4D
Substance applied to violin bows (5)
Starts with R, ends with NROSIN→
5D
Unwelcome picnic "guest" (3)
Starts with A, ends with TANT→
6D
Brimless cap (6)
Starts with B, ends with EBEANIE→
8D
___ Trail (Peruvian hiking destination) (4)
Starts with I, ends with AINCA→
9D
Cannon "ammo" at sporting events (4)
Starts with T, ends with STEES→
15D
Great hardships (7)
Starts with B, ends with SBURDENS→
18D
Pang, as of pain (5)
Starts with T, ends with ETHROE→
19D
Honda's luxury line (5)
Starts with A, ends with AACURA→
20D
Studio behind "Coco," but not "Cocoon" (5)
Starts with P, ends with RPIXAR→
22D
23D
Had some post-Pilates pain, say (5)
Starts with A, ends with DACHED→
25D
Outermost part (4)
Starts with E, ends with EEDGE→
27D
Uppermost part (3)
Starts with T, ends with PTOP→

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 26, 2026?+

36 clues: 19 Across and 17 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Nguhi Ross and Erik Agard and edited by Ian Livengood.

What are some answers in today’s Midi?+

For example: Birth month for many Libras: Abbr. (OCT); Tardy animal in "Alice in Wonderland" (RABBIT); Animal from Down Under, for short (ROO).

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