NYT Crossword May 5 2026 Answers (5/5/26)

Our NYT Crossword May 5, 2026 answers guide should help you finish today’s crossword if you’ve found yourself stuck on a crossword clue. The NYT Crossword is a daily puzzle that tests solvers’ knowledge and vocabulary. It’s one of the most popular crosswords in the world, known for its challenging clues and clever wordplay. The puzzle is published in the print edition of The New York Times and is also available online.

NYT Crossword May 5, 2026 Answers

If you need help solving the NYT Crossword on 5/5/26, we’ve listed all of the crossword clues below so you can find the answer(s) you need. You can search for the clue and then select the appropriate clue to get the answer. We have done it this way so that if you’re just looking for a handful of clues, you won’t spoil other ones you’re working on!

Looking for answers to another NYT Crossword puzzle? Check out our archive of NYT Crossword Answers. Our NYT Crossword Hints for May 5, 2026 are also available if you prefer not to be immediately spoiled.

« May 4 2026 Answers

#	Clue
1A	Tried-and-true choice, informally
5A	It's perfect for some musicians
10A	Motorcyclist's invitation
15A	Asia's shrinking ___ Sea
16A	Ruckus
17A	Where Boise is
18A	It's a piece of cake
20A	Computer geeks
21A	Source of some South American wool
22A	Alaska politico Palin
24A	___-Ball
25A	Alternative to a Word doc
27A	It's child's play
29A	Glassblower, e.g.
33A	One of three statistical averages
34A	M.L.B. stadium demolished in 2009
35A	Ones always blowing off steam?
39A	Altar promise
42A	It's a no-brainer
45A	Starchy tuber
46A	2016 Ariana Grande love song
47A	Drug buster
48A	Heavy, spiked club
50A	Bared one's teeth, say
52A	It's a breeze
57A	___-fi
58A	Sudden or impulsive, as a decision
59A	Lipstick blunder
61A	Intermittently offered fast-food pork sandwich
65A	Oscars host, e.g.
67A	It's a walk in the park
69A	Abandon prematurely, as a mission
70A	Piano exercise
71A	Fencing blade
72A	"OMG, same!"
73A	About 50.7% of all Americans
74A	Like typical communicators in sign language
1D	Effrontery
2D	Not in writing, as an exam
3D	Magician's "Look what I did!"
4D	International competition in math, science and other disciplines
5D	Greek letter that looks like an "O" superimposed with an "I"
6D	Charged particles
7D	Roman robes
8D	French sweetheart
9D	Prohibited in Islam
10D	Chart-topper
11D	Texas setting for 2004's "Friday Night Lights"
12D	Mule or burro
13D	"Fancy seeing you here!"
14D	They may be counted when taking attendance
19D	Bell-bottom jeans and pet rocks, in the 1970s
23D	Undeniable successes
26D	Media misinformation
28D	Loch ___ monster
29D	Like a campfire by morning, typically
30D	Flightless bird from South America
31D	Figure in a school pep rally
32D	Empty ___ (home after the kids go off to college)
36D	Chinese general on a menu
37D	"___ will be done"
38D	English facilities
40D	"Don't you ___!"
41D	How much 1990s music was issued
43D	Pet pests
44D	Having added nutrients
49D	Obey, with "to"
51D	Apex
52D	Pay for at a restaurant, say
53D	Title role for Sylvester Stallone
54D	"This is my first day on the job"
55D	"Groovy"
56D	Unit of information
60D	Like checking a dating app while you're on a date
62D	Fully matured
63D	Swedish furniture supplier
64D	Complaint, informally
66D	Arrivals in the 2016 thriller "Arrival," in brief
68D	___ Faire (historical event)

More NYT Crossword Answers

If you’re looking for solutions from other puzzles, check out:

You can also browse our full NYT Crossword Answers archive for even more puzzles!

We also recommend trying your hand at the NYT Mini Crossword, which is definitely easier (on all days!) as it is 5×5, compared to the full‑sized New York Times Crossword (which is 15×15, and the Sunday edition is 21×21!). If you want something in between, the NYT Midi Crossword offers between a 9×9 and 11×11 grid with a medium‑level challenge that bridges the gap between the Mini and the full puzzle—making it a great option for players looking to level up. New crosswords are released at 10PM ET on weekdays and 6PM ET on weekends.

The New York Times crossword was first published in The New York Times in 1942 and has been a daily feature ever since. It is known for its high level of difficulty and for its clever, often playful, clues and themes. The puzzles range in size from 15x15 grids on weekdays to larger 21x21 grids on Sundays, with varying levels of difficulty.

The New York Times crossword is created by a team of skilled puzzle constructors and editors, who work to ensure that each puzzle is both entertaining and challenging for solvers. The puzzles are often themed, with clues and answers related to a particular subject or concept, and they frequently feature wordplay and puns.

NYT Crossword (Main Grid) — Image via NYT Crossword

Solving the New York Times crossword has become a beloved pastime for many, and there are even competitions and clubs devoted to crossword puzzle solving. The New York Times crossword is available in print in the newspaper and online, and it has a dedicated following of loyal solvers who eagerly await each day's puzzle.

If you’re still struggling to solve your NYT crosswords, consider practicing with the Eugene Sheffer and Thomas Joseph dailies first. If you’re looking for similarly challenging crosswords, we recommend the WSJ Crossword and LA Times Crossword.