Hints before spoilers
Selected NYT crossword clues, explained
Browse spoiler-light hints and original explanations for selected high-confusion New York Times crossword clues by puzzle date.
Selected explanations, not a complete answer key.
We prioritize clues whose abbreviation, secondary sense, wordplay, name, or theme is likely to need an explanation.
Clue text identifies the puzzle entry; every hint, definition, and explanation here is independently written or materially reviewed.
August 19, 2026
7 selected, reviewed clues
Private sleeping accommodations?The New York Times Crossword · Wordplay
4
Wipe from one’s memory, so to speakThe New York Times Crossword · Informal usage
5
Hybrid tennis attireThe New York Times Crossword · Wordplay
5
Hides one’s central point, in a way ... with a doubly homophonic hint to 20-, 30-, 38- and 48-AcrossThe New York Times Crossword · Wordplay
13
Top three sights in Fiji?The New York Times Crossword · Wordplay
4
Verbal hesitationsThe New York Times Crossword · Direct definition
3
The word “salary” derives from the Latin for thisThe New York Times Crossword · Fact clue
4
August 18, 2026
8 selected, reviewed clues
ForfendsThe New York Times Crossword · Direct definition
6
The “N” of N.A.A.C.P.: Abbr.The New York Times Crossword · Abbreviation
4
“Oh, buzz off”The New York Times Crossword · Informal usage
6
High-end private jet, familiarlyThe New York Times Crossword · Informal usage
4
Coverers of current eventsThe New York Times Crossword · Direct definition
9
Meaning of “vidi,” in Caesar’s boastThe New York Times Crossword · Fact clue
4
Nuts whose shells look like they have little beretsThe New York Times Crossword · Wordplay
6
Story of one’s life?The New York Times Crossword · Wordplay
4