NYT Crossword Clues & Answers - Jul 21

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

By Kenneth Cortes

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NYT Crossword Clues

Across

  1. 1"Chocolate" pets
  2. 5Genome component
  3. 8Breaks in winter weather
  4. 13___ vera
  5. 14Gave a hand
  6. 16Greet someone informally
  7. 17"Easy-peasy!"
  8. 20Attire for an infant
  9. 21Awe-inspiring solar phenomenon
  10. 22Severity
  11. 23Urban environmental hazard
  12. 24Pen tips
  13. 28Clean with a rough spray
  14. 31Blood ___
  15. 32Acorn producer
  16. 33The 12 angry men in "12 Angry Men," e.g.
  17. 34Finish flamboyantly ... like 17-, 28-, 43- and 56-Across?
  18. 402000-09, with "the"
  19. 41___ and haw
  20. 42Jumbo
  21. 43Colorful taffy candy brand
  22. 49Laptop brand
  23. 50Tons
  24. 51Not having quite enough money
  25. 53"Really?"
  26. 55Backside
  27. 562023 double-platinum Chappell Roan record
  28. 60Toyota hybrid
  29. 61Plumbing fixture found under the sink
  30. 62Things assayers assay
  31. 63Reactions akin to "OMG!"
  32. 64Pigs' digs
  33. 65Fill up

Down

  1. 1Hard work
  2. 2Morissette with the 1996 hit "Ironic"
  3. 3Corner store
  4. 4Fall, e.g.
  5. 5Reading room
  6. 6Japanese city that's home to the Chinese Sofukuji Temple
  7. 7Subjects of some Billboard charts
  8. 8Old Russian ruler
  9. 9Cuban dance style
  10. 10Actress Edebiri
  11. 11"Which person are you referring to?"
  12. 12___ card
  13. 14A standard one has 21 pips
  14. 15Fortune-telling deck
  15. 18Aviary inhabitant
  16. 19Hound
  17. 25It's "pumped" by bodybuilders
  18. 26Town
  19. 27Texting format, in brief
  20. 29Many internet spammers
  21. 30Rule
  22. 31Teacher for a day
  23. 33Part of a doorframe
  24. 34Tortilla chip dip, informally
  25. 35Shrek, e.g.
  26. 36"Wow, real mature"
  27. 37Sport-___
  28. 38"Ow! Watch it!"
  29. 39"___/she" (chocolate bar's pronouns in a corny joke)
  30. 40In the manner of
  31. 43Power-saving computer mode
  32. 44They're often made at weddings
  33. 45One may accept the terms and conditions
  34. 46Heavyweight beasts, familiarly
  35. 47Mexican state bordering Chihuahua
  36. 48Hot pot holder
  37. 50Novelist Rand
  38. 52Backcomb
  39. 54Cat's warning
  40. 55Old-school term for "cool"
  41. 56World of Warcraft, e.g., in brief
  42. 57Long period
  43. 58Put down
  44. 59Salary

Crossword clues, hints, and answers

Across

  1. 1. "Chocolate" pets — Answer: LABS. Hint: These furry friends are known for their sweet disposition and love for playtime! 🐕
  2. 5. Genome component — Answer: DNA. Hint: Think about the molecule that carries genetic information! 🧬
  3. 8. Breaks in winter weather — Answer: THAWS. Hint: When the cold gives way, what melts away? ❄️
  4. 13. ___ vera — Answer: ALOE. Hint: This succulent plant is often used for soothing sunburns! 🌿
  5. 14. Gave a hand — Answer: DEALT. Hint: When you assist someone, you might be providing them with something important! ✋
  6. 16. Greet someone informally — Answer: SAYHI. Hint: It's a casual way to welcome a friend! 👋
  7. 17. "Easy-peasy!" — Answer: BADABINGBADABOOM. Hint: This phrase captures the essence of making something look effortless! 🎉
  8. 20. Attire for an infant — Answer: ONESIE. Hint: Think of a cozy outfit that makes diaper changes a breeze! 👶
  9. 21. Awe-inspiring solar phenomenon — Answer: AURORA. Hint: This dazzling display in the sky often dances with vibrant colors, especially near the poles! 🌌
  10. 22. Severity — Answer: RIGOR. Hint: Think about a strict standard or harshness applied in a situation! 💪
  11. 23. Urban environmental hazard — Answer: SMOG. Hint: This hazy trouble often hangs over big cities, especially on chilly days! 🌫️
  12. 24. Pen tips — Answer: NIBS. Hint: Think of the pointy parts that help create beautiful writing! 🖊️
  13. 28. Clean with a rough spray — Answer: SANDBLAST. Hint: Think of a powerful method used to strip away layers or imperfections! 💨
  14. 31. Blood ___ — Answer: SERUM. Hint: This liquid component of blood is crucial for transporting nutrients and fighting infections! 🩸
  15. 32. Acorn producer — Answer: OAK. Hint: Think of a sturdy tree that provides shelter and food for many creatures! 🌳
  16. 33. The 12 angry men in "12 Angry Men," e.g. — Answer: JURORS. Hint: Think of those who deliberate in the jury box! ⚖️
  17. 34. Finish flamboyantly ... like 17-, 28-, 43- and 56-Across? — Answer: GOOUTWITHABANG. Hint: Make your exit memorable and unforgettable! 🎉
  18. 40. 2000-09, with "the" — Answer: AUGHTS. Hint: These were the years that began with double zeros! 🔢
  19. 41. ___ and haw — Answer: HEM. Hint: When you're unsure, you might be caught in a moment of hesitation! 🤔
  20. 42. Jumbo — Answer: LARGE. Hint: Think of something that takes up a lot of space! 📏
  21. 43. Colorful taffy candy brand — Answer: STARBURST. Hint: Think of a fruity explosion in your mouth! 🍬
  22. 49. Laptop brand — Answer: ACER. Hint: This brand might help you work and play, especially if you enjoy gaming! 💻
  23. 50. Tons — Answer: ALOT. Hint: When you have more than enough, you might say you have this! 😄
  24. 51. Not having quite enough money — Answer: SHORT. Hint: Sometimes your wallet might feel a little lighter than you'd like! 💸
  25. 53. "Really?" — Answer: OHYEAH. Hint: This phrase often comes out when you're surprised or in disbelief! 🤔
  26. 55. Backside — Answer: HEINIE. Hint: Think about a cheeky term for a part of the body you sit on! 🍑
  27. 56. 2023 double-platinum Chappell Roan record — Answer: REDWINESUPERNOVA. Hint: Think of a cosmic explosion paired with a favorite drink! 🍷
  28. 60. Toyota hybrid — Answer: PRIUS. Hint: This eco-friendly ride has a name that's become synonymous with hybrid technology! 🚗
  29. 61. Plumbing fixture found under the sink — Answer: PTRAP. Hint: Think of the device that keeps pesky odors from creeping into your home! 🚰
  30. 62. Things assayers assay — Answer: ORES. Hint: These valuable materials are often found underground and tested for their worth! ⛏️
  31. 63. Reactions akin to "OMG!" — Answer: GASPS. Hint: When something shocking happens, you might take a quick breath! 😮
  32. 64. Pigs' digs — Answer: STY. Hint: Where you might find some oinking companions enjoying a little mud! 🐖
  33. 65. Fill up — Answer: SATE. Hint: When you're really hungry, you want to satisfy that craving! 🍽️

Down

  1. 1. Hard work — Answer: LABOR. Hint: Think about what you do to earn that paycheck! 💼
  2. 2. Morissette with the 1996 hit "Ironic" — Answer: ALANIS. Hint: This singer-songwriter is known for her emotive lyrics and powerful voice! 🎤
  3. 3. Corner store — Answer: BODEGA. Hint: This is a cozy shop often found in urban areas, perfect for late-night snacks! 🏪
  4. 4. Fall, e.g. — Answer: SEASON. Hint: Think about a period of the year that includes autumn! 🍂
  5. 5. Reading room — Answer: DEN. Hint: This cozy space is perfect for relaxing with a good book! 📚
  6. 6. Japanese city that's home to the Chinese Sofukuji Temple — Answer: NAGASAKI. Hint: This city is known for its beautiful bay and rich history in Japan. 🌊
  7. 7. Subjects of some Billboard charts — Answer: ALBUMS. Hint: These musical collections often tell a story or showcase an artist's range! 🎶
  8. 8. Old Russian ruler — Answer: TSAR. Hint: Think of a title for a monarch in Russia before the revolution! 👑
  9. 9. Cuban dance style — Answer: HABANERA. Hint: Think of a vibrant dance that originates from the streets of Havana! 💃
  10. 10. Actress Edebiri — Answer: AYO. Hint: This actress shares a vibrant name that means joy in Yoruba! 😊
  11. 11. "Which person are you referring to?" — Answer: WHO. Hint: It's the question word you'd use to ask about someone's identity! 🤔
  12. 12. ___ card — Answer: SIM. Hint: This card is essential for connecting your phone to the network! 📱
  13. 14. A standard one has 21 pips — Answer: DIE. Hint: Think of a small cube often used in games that shows different numbers on its faces! 🎲
  14. 15. Fortune-telling deck — Answer: TAROT. Hint: Look to the cards for insights into the future! 🔮
  15. 18. Aviary inhabitant — Answer: BIRD. Hint: This feathered friend can often be found chirping in trees! 🐦
  16. 19. Hound — Answer: DOG. Hint: This furry friend is often known as man's best companion! 🐾
  17. 25. It's "pumped" by bodybuilders — Answer: IRON. Hint: Think of what you lift to build strength! 💪
  18. 26. Town — Answer: BURG. Hint: This word often denotes a fortified place or a community, especially in historical contexts! 🏰
  19. 27. Texting format, in brief — Answer: SMS. Hint: Think of how you quickly send messages on your phone! 📱
  20. 29. Many internet spammers — Answer: BOTS. Hint: They can automate tasks online but not always in a friendly way! 🤖
  21. 30. Rule — Answer: LAW. Hint: Think about the system that keeps order in society! ⚖️
  22. 31. Teacher for a day — Answer: SUB. Hint: Think of a person stepping in to teach when the regular instructor is away! 🍏
  23. 33. Part of a doorframe — Answer: JAMB. Hint: Think about what helps support a door on either side! 🚪
  24. 34. Tortilla chip dip, informally — Answer: GUAC. Hint: This creamy green dip pairs perfectly with your favorite snack! 🥑
  25. 35. Shrek, e.g. — Answer: OGRE. Hint: This creature might be a bit grumpy but has a heart of gold! 🐸
  26. 36. "Wow, real mature" — Answer: OHGROWUP. Hint: This phrase is often said to someone acting childishly, suggesting they need to advance in age or wisdom. 😉
  27. 37. Sport-___ — Answer: UTE. Hint: This term is often associated with off-road vehicles and outdoor adventures! 🚙
  28. 38. "Ow! Watch it!" — Answer: THATHURT. Hint: Sometimes the words we say when we're in pain can be quite entertaining! 🤕
  29. 39. "___/she" (chocolate bar's pronouns in a corny joke) — Answer: HER. Hint: What do you call a beloved candy that might take on a feminine identity? 🍫
  30. 40. In the manner of — Answer: ALA. Hint: Think of a phrase that suggests doing something in a certain style or way! ✨
  31. 43. Power-saving computer mode — Answer: SLEEP. Hint: The perfect time to recharge both your device and yourself! 💤
  32. 44. They're often made at weddings — Answer: TOASTS. Hint: Raise your glass and celebrate the moment with kind words! 🥂
  33. 45. One may accept the terms and conditions — Answer: USER. Hint: Think about the individual who interacts with a system or service! 😊
  34. 46. Heavyweight beasts, familiarly — Answer: RHINOS. Hint: These thick-skinned giants are often known for their tough exteriors and playful nature! 🦏
  35. 47. Mexican state bordering Chihuahua — Answer: SONORA. Hint: This state is famous for its beautiful desert landscapes and vibrant culture! 🌵
  36. 48. Hot pot holder — Answer: TRIVET. Hint: It's a handy kitchen item that protects surfaces from hot dishes! 🔥
  37. 50. Novelist Rand — Answer: AYN. Hint: Think of a famous writer who championed individualism and has a three-letter first name! 📚
  38. 52. Backcomb — Answer: TEASE. Hint: A fun way to add volume to your hair! 🎉
  39. 54. Cat's warning — Answer: HISS. Hint: Listen closely when a cat is feeling threatened! 🐱
  40. 55. Old-school term for "cool" — Answer: HEP. Hint: This vintage slang word has a jazzy vibe to it! 🎷
  41. 56. World of Warcraft, e.g., in brief — Answer: RPG. Hint: Think of a genre where you might embark on epic quests and level up your character! 🎮
  42. 57. Long period — Answer: ERA. Hint: Think of a significant stretch of time in history! 🕰️
  43. 58. Put down — Answer: DIS. Hint: Sometimes it's best to take a step back and stop the chatter! 🤫
  44. 59. Salary — Answer: PAY. Hint: Think about what you receive in exchange for your hard work! 💵

Here are the NYT Crossword answers for Tuesday, July 21, 2026 — every solution for that day's 15×15 (21×21 on Sunday) puzzle, listed at the top of this page. Whether you're catching up on a puzzle you missed, settling a “what was the answer on July 21?” question, or checking a grid you finished that day, the complete clue-by-clue solution is right here. Looking for today's puzzle instead? Head to our live NYT Crossword answers page.

NYT Crossword answers for July 21, 2026

The full solution for the July 21 NYT Crossword is shown above, laid out clue by clue — every Across answer followed by every Down answer, exactly as that day's grid read. Each answer is listed separately, so you can check just the clue you were stuck on and leave the rest. This is the confirmed grid as published on Tuesday, July 21.

Hints for the July 21 puzzle

Not ready for the full answer? Here are lighter, spoiler-free nudges for that day's grid, above the solutions. The July 21 puzzle fell on a Tuesday, and with the New York Times crossword that matters: the grid gets harder as the week goes on, from an easy Monday to a fiendish Saturday, with a large themed puzzle on Sunday. So a Tuesday grid tells you how much misdirection to expect — and if a clue that day seemed to make no sense, the weekday is usually the reason. Use the hints for the trickiest clues, then reveal the answers above only if you need them.

Looking for a different day?

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Frequently asked questions

What were the NYT Crossword answers on July 21, 2026?

Every answer for the Tuesday, July 21, 2026 NYT Crossword is listed at the top of this page — the confirmed grid as published that day.

Where can I find today's NYT Crossword answers?

Today's live puzzle is on our NYT Crossword answers today page, updated the moment each new grid goes live.

How do I look up a different date?

Use the previous/next links above to step day by day, or open the today page to browse the full dated archive.

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