Some film noir figures, for short
Crossword Answer — July 26, 2026
Think of the mysterious characters who often roam the shadows in classic crime stories! 🎥
NYT Crossword
Sunday, July 26, 2026
By Kim Alswager
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Or reveal one clue at a time with the Hint and Answer buttons below.
NYT Crossword Clues
Across
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Crossword clues, hints, and answers
Across
- 1. "Joanie Loves ___" ("Happy Days" spinoff) — Answer: CHACHI. Hint: This character has a name that rhymes with 'scoochy' and is known for his charm! 🎶
- 7. Peddles — Answer: VENDS. Hint: Think of a way to sell items, often from a stand or shop! 🛒
- 12. Chain whose merch includes mulch — Answer: LOWES. Hint: This store is a go-to for home improvement and gardening needs! 🏡
- 17. Encase in protection — Answer: COCOON. Hint: Think of a cozy layer that wraps around something delicate! 🐛
- 18. Something might disappear into it — Answer: THINAIR. Hint: Imagine a light breeze where things seem to vanish! 🌬️
- 20. Lacking sense — Answer: INANE. Hint: When something feels silly and void of meaning, it's often described this way! 🤪
- 21. Darlings — Answer: CUTIES. Hint: These adorable little ones often steal your heart! ❤️
- 22. Yoga style in which each movement is synchronized with a breath — Answer: VINYASA. Hint: Think of a flowing sequence where breath and movement dance together! 🧘
- 23. Bag — Answer: PURSE. Hint: Think of a stylish accessory that holds your essentials! 👜
- 24. Whom this puzzle's subject must save! — Answer: PRINCESSPEACH. Hint: Every hero has their special someone to rescue, usually in a royal context! 👑
- 26. Source of fries, informally — Answer: SPUD. Hint: This tasty tuber is a favorite for a crispy snack! 🥔
- 27. On — Answer: ATOP. Hint: Think of a word that means 'above' or 'resting on top of' something! 🏔️
- 28. Nuggets of wisdom — Answer: PEARLS. Hint: Think of something precious that often contains valuable insights! 💎
- 33. Pizza parlor purchase — Answer: PIE. Hint: This tasty treat can be sliced up and shared! 🍕
- 34. Hough of "Dancing With the Stars" fame — Answer: DEREK. Hint: Think of a popular professional dancer who often takes the lead! 💃
- 38. Green friend of this puzzle's subject — Answer: YOSHI. Hint: This lovable character often helps his buddy on adventures! 🍃
- 42. Elitist — Answer: SNOOT. Hint: This term describes someone who's a bit overly proud of their taste and sophistication. 😏
- 43. "___ be an honor" — Answer: ITD. Hint: Think of a phrase that conveys a sense of gratitude or respect! 🙏
- 44. Not say, say — Answer: ELIDE. Hint: When you skip over a word or sound, you're doing this! 🤫
- 45. "___ right!" — Answer: THATS. Hint: You might exclaim this when something feels just perfect! 👍
- 47. Vehicle puller — Answer: TOWROPE. Hint: It's what you need when your ride needs a lift! 🚗
- 49. Disqualifies (oneself) — Answer: RECUSES. Hint: When you step back from a situation to avoid a conflict, what do you do? 🤔
- 52. "Waaaah!" — Answer: IMSAD. Hint: When you're feeling down, this is often how you express it! 😢
- 54. Union Army general who was victorious over Lee at the Battle of Gettysburg — Answer: MEADE. Hint: This general helped turn the tide in a pivotal Civil War battle! ⚔️
- 55. Texter's caveat — Answer: IMO. Hint: When sharing opinions, a common abbreviation suggests that's just your perspective! 💬
- 56. How a "miracle product" is said to work — Answer: LIKEMAGIC. Hint: It's often described as having an almost supernatural ability! ✨
- 59. Host of the 2016 Olympics — Answer: RIO. Hint: This vibrant city is known for its stunning beaches and samba culture! 🌊
- 60. Old pros — Answer: VETS. Hint: Think about those who have seen it all and have plenty of experience under their belt! 🏅
- 62. Primates' realm — Answer: APEDOM. Hint: Think about the domain where monkeys and apes thrive! 🦧
- 63. Batman and Robin, e.g. — Answer: DUO. Hint: Think of a dynamic partnership working together to save the day! 🦸♂️
- 65. Many a musical chord — Answer: TRIAD. Hint: This term often describes a three-note harmony in music! 🎶
- 69. Total heat content of a thermodynamic system — Answer: ENTHALPY. Hint: Think about the energy stored in a system that involves heat and work! 🔥
- 71. Platform with a "Super" popular character, in brief? — Answer: NES. Hint: Think of a classic gaming console that introduced a famous plumber! 🎮
- 73. "Kind of" — Answer: INASENSE. Hint: Think about a phrase that can express a certain perspective on things! 🤔
- 75. Decorous — Answer: STAID. Hint: Think of someone whose demeanor is quite serious and proper. 🎩
- 76. "Scrumptious!" — Answer: YUM. Hint: Think of what you might say after tasting something delicious! 😋
- 78. Way — Answer: MANNER. Hint: Consider how you do things in a distinctive style! 😄
- 80. Someone who might put you on a list — Answer: DEAN. Hint: This person often holds authority in an academic setting! 🎓
- 81. U.K. military branch — Answer: RAF. Hint: Think of the skies when it comes to this branch of the U.K. forces! ✈️
- 83. Classic kids' toy weapon — Answer: POTATOGUN. Hint: Think of a playful device that launches a certain starchy vegetable! 🥔
- 85. Sleepover "comfies" — Answer: PJS. Hint: Snuggle up in your favorite nighttime attire! 💤
- 86. Bialik of "The Big Bang Theory" — Answer: MAYIM. Hint: This actress shares a name with a month and is known for her intelligence! 🧠
- 88. Antagonist of this puzzle's subject — Answer: WARIO. Hint: Think of Nintendo's mischievous rival who loves to cause trouble! 🎮
- 89. Shoe style with a small opening in the front — Answer: PEEPTOE. Hint: Think of a shoe that lets your toes peek out for a flirty touch! 👠
- 92. Man whom Jesus raised from the dead in John 11 — Answer: LAZARUS. Hint: He took a long nap in a tomb before his big comeback! 🪦
- 94. Salmon and coral — Answer: PINKS. Hint: Think of a common color that these fish remind you of! 🎣
- 96. Takes full advantage of — Answer: MILKS. Hint: Think of how you might utilize something to its utmost potential! 🥛
- 97. Dot follower — Answer: COM. Hint: Think about a common abbreviation that comes after a period in web addresses! 🌐
- 98. "Beau ___" — Answer: GESTE. Hint: Think of a noble act often celebrated in stories! 🎭
- 100. ___ Davis, actor and eulogist for Malcolm X — Answer: OSSIE. Hint: This actor shares a name with a famous spy agency! 🎭
- 102. Until now — Answer: ASYET. Hint: Think about something that hasn't happened yet! ⏳
- 103. Big name in trucks — Answer: RAM. Hint: Think of a powerful vehicle often associated with strength! 🚚
- 104. Useful — Answer: OFHELP. Hint: When you need assistance, this term often comes to the rescue! 🤝
- 106. Sportscaster Andrews — Answer: ERIN. Hint: This sportscaster shares her name with a common Irish name, often associated with a famous actress too! 🍀
- 108. Excessively uptight — Answer: ANAL. Hint: Sometimes, it's hard to loosen up when you're overthinking everything! 😅
- 110. Enemy lair where 24-Across is held captive — Answer: BOWSERSCASTLE. Hint: Think of a notorious villain's domain in a popular video game! 🏰
- 118. "To me, 'sexy' is a ___ with confidence": Allegra Versace — Answer: WOMAN. Hint: Think of a strong and empowered individual who embraces their femininity! 💪
- 120. Striking feature of Jessica Rabbit — Answer: REDHAIR. Hint: Think of a distinct hair color that stands out in a crowd! 🔥
- 121. Achieve — Answer: ATTAIN. Hint: It's all about reaching a goal you set for yourself! 🎯
- 122. Brother of this puzzle's subject — Answer: LUIGI. Hint: He's often seen wearing green and loves to jump into adventures! 🍄
- 123. Author and entrepreneur Huffington — Answer: ARIANNA. Hint: This media mogul co-founded a popular website and has written several influential books! 📚
- 124. Virtual animal companion popularized in the 2000s — Answer: NEOPET. Hint: Remember those adorable pets you could care for online? 🐾
- 125. Secret supply — Answer: STASH. Hint: Think of a hidden collection of goodies kept just for you! 🗝️
- 126. Tabasco, for one — Answer: STATE. Hint: Think of a place known for its famous pepper sauce! 🌶️
- 127. Highlight for a QB — Answer: TDPASS. Hint: Think about what a quarterback does to move the ball forward! 🏈
Down
- 1. Cyrillic way to write "U.S.S.R." — Answer: CCCP. Hint: Think of the Soviet Union and its iconic abbreviation! 🇷🇺
- 2. Short hand? — Answer: HOUR. Hint: Think about the division of time that fits snugly into a day! ⏰
- 3. When "One Day More" is sung in "Les Misérables" — Answer: ACTI. Hint: Think about those dramatic moments when the story reaches a turning point! 🎭
- 4. Collectible item from the box below — Answer: COIN. Hint: Think about something you might find in your pocket or piggy bank! 💰
- 5. Fried cornbread concoctions — Answer: HOECAKES. Hint: Think of a Southern specialty that's perfect for pairing with savory dishes! 🥘
- 6. ___ map — Answer: INSET. Hint: Think of a smaller map that provides extra details about a specific area! 🗺️
- 7. Green transport from the box below — Answer: VINE. Hint: Think about something that grows and can wrap around structures! 🌿
- 8. Best-selling Irish solo musical artist — Answer: ENYA. Hint: This ethereal artist is known for her haunting melodies and has a strong connection to nature. 🎶
- 9. Image Awards org. — Answer: NAACP. Hint: This organization champions civil rights and celebrates achievements in various fields! 🎉
- 10. Spills — Answer: DISHES. Hint: Be careful not to drop those plates while serving! 🍽️
- 11. Madrid Mrs. — Answer: SRA. Hint: This title is often used for a woman in Spanish-speaking countries, much like 'Ms.' in English! 🇪🇸
- 12. Word before service or sync — Answer: LIP. Hint: It's something often found before giving advice or comments! 😄
- 13. Duty — Answer: ONUS. Hint: It's that responsibility you can't just pass off to someone else! ⚖️
- 14. What this puzzle's subject uses to travel to a new location — Answer: WARPPIPE. Hint: Think of a famous green tube from a classic video game that transports you to different worlds! 🍄
- 15. Like many primary bathrooms — Answer: ENSUITE. Hint: Think of a special setup that adds convenience to your personal space! 🛁
- 16. Like teams in March Madness — Answer: SEEDED. Hint: Think about how they rank and are placed in a tournament! 🏀
- 18. Expensive Super Bowl purchase — Answer: TVSPOT. Hint: This flashy commercial is often a big game highlight! 📺
- 19. In — Answer: HIP. Hint: This word often describes a trendy or modern vibe in culture. 🕶️
- 25. ___ lecithin (food additive) — Answer: SOY. Hint: Think of a common plant ingredient often found in vegetarian dishes! 🌱
- 29. Raid target, at times — Answer: ANT. Hint: Think small and you might discover who often gets raided in the kitchen! 🍴
- 30. Space — Answer: ROOM. Hint: Think of a place you might need to breathe or stretch out in! 🌌
- 31. Let down — Answer: LOWER. Hint: Think about what you do when you drop something to the ground! 📉
- 32. Sea connectors — Answer: STRAITS. Hint: Think of narrow bodies of water that link larger bodies of sea! 🌊
- 34. Obtains (from) — Answer: DERIVES. Hint: Think about how you can get something from a source! 🌿
- 35. Gold or silver, but not bronze — Answer: ELEMENT. Hint: Think of what makes these metals unique in the periodic table! 🔬
- 36. This might be stuffed inside a shell — Answer: RICOTTA. Hint: Think creamy and delicious filling that can be found in a pasta dish! 🥟
- 37. Dot follower — Answer: EDU. Hint: This domain is often linked to learning and institutions! 🎓
- 39. Recoiled — Answer: SHIED. Hint: Think of a reaction to surprise or fear that makes you pull back! 🐾
- 40. Jupiter ___, first African American poet published in North America — Answer: HAMMON. Hint: Think of a sweet and savory dish often enjoyed with breakfast! 🍯
- 41. Catchphrase of this puzzle's subject — Answer: ITSAMEMARIO. Hint: Think of a beloved video game character known for his cheerful exclamations! 🎮
- 46. Wilt — Answer: SAG. Hint: When something loses its strength and droops, it might just be feeling a little down! 🌱
- 48. Scented — Answer: ODORED. Hint: Think of a word that captures the essence of something fragrant! 🌸
- 50. Carrier that takes its name from the Book of Hosea — Answer: ELAL. Hint: Think of the national airline of Israel that shares its name with a biblical reference! ✈️
- 51. ___ cup — Answer: SIPPY. Hint: It's a type of cup designed to prevent spills! 🥤
- 53. Achieved — Answer: DID. Hint: This is the past tense of a common action verb that shows completion! ✅
- 57. Excite — Answer: KEYUP. Hint: Sometimes, you need to hit a button to really get things going! 🔑
- 58. Job for a stage assistant, maybe — Answer: CUING. Hint: Think of what helps an actor know when to start their lines! 🎭
- 61. Australia's most popular wine — Answer: SHIRAZ. Hint: This bold red wine varietal hails from down under and is often enjoyed with grilled meats. 🍷
- 64. "Extra life" item from the box below — Answer: ONEUP. Hint: In video games, this special item gives you a second chance to keep playing! 🎮
- 66. How a total dummkopf might handle something — Answer: INEPTLY. Hint: Think about how someone clumsy might attempt a tricky task! 🤔
- 67. In jest — Answer: ASAJOKE. Hint: When something is said but not meant to be taken seriously, it might just be playful fun! 😄
- 68. Like New Jersey among all U.S. states, population-wise — Answer: DENSEST. Hint: Think of a word that describes how closely packed people are in a given area! 📏
- 70. In the very recent past — Answer: ADAYAGO. Hint: Think about what we might call a time just before now! ⏳
- 72. Gown fabrics — Answer: SATINS. Hint: Think of something smooth and shiny that drapes beautifully! ✨
- 74. ___ Duncan, education secretary under Obama — Answer: ARNE. Hint: Think of a name that sounds like a friendly bird but isn't chirping today! 🐦
- 77. Razor blades? — Answer: MOW. Hint: Think about what keeps grass neat and tidy! 🌿
- 79. Cozy corners — Answer: NOOKS. Hint: Think of those snug little spots perfect for curling up with a book! 📚
- 82. With 31-Down, power-up that lets this puzzle's subject throw flames — Answer: FIREF. Hint: Think of a magical ability that brings the heat! 🔥
- 84. Alternative to "sparkling" — Answer: TAP. Hint: Sometimes you just want something still instead of bubbly! 💧
- 86. Catchphrase of this puzzle's subject — Answer: MAMMAMIA. Hint: This phrase is famously sung and celebrates life’s surprises! 🎶
- 87. With 30-Down, power-up that supersizes this puzzle's subject — Answer: MUSH. Hint: Think of a word that means to soften or cause to swell, often used in cooking! 🍽️
- 90. Flowed (from) — Answer: EMANATED. Hint: Think about how a light or scent spreads out from its source. 🌟
- 91. Some film noir figures, for short — Answer: PIS. Hint: Think of the mysterious characters who often roam the shadows in classic crime stories! 🎥
- 92. Give for a time — Answer: LOANOUT. Hint: Think of something you might temporarily provide to a friend! 🤝
- 93. Business address abbr. — Answer: STE. Hint: Think about the common abbreviation used for where companies hang their hats! 🏢
- 95. Popular GMC pickup — Answer: SIERRA. Hint: This name shares a title with a famous mountain range! 🏔️
- 97. Proceeds like congested traffic — Answer: CRAWLS. Hint: Think about how a slow-moving line of cars might move on a busy road! 🚗
- 99. Mount ___, highest peak in the Rockies — Answer: ELBERT. Hint: This mountain's name might remind you of a friendly giant! 🏔️
- 101. Mumbled stumbles — Answer: ERS. Hint: Sometimes you might trip over your words, but don't let that stop you! 🤭
- 105. Daises — Answer: PODIA. Hint: Think about where you might find blooming flowers being displayed! 🌼
- 107. "Sorry, my calendar's full" — Answer: ICANT. Hint: Sometimes you just have to prioritize and say you can't do it! 📅
- 109. Falls behind — Answer: LAGS. Hint: When you're not keeping up, you might just be taking your time! 🕒
- 111. "?!?!?!?!" — Answer: WHAT. Hint: When you're surprised or confused, this is often your go-to expression! 🤔
- 112. Sensible — Answer: SANE. Hint: Think of a mind well-balanced and ready to face the world! 🧠
- 113. ___ für alle Mal (once and for all, in German) — Answer: EIN. Hint: Think of a word that means 'one' in German! 🇩🇪
- 114. What a rest indicates ... or a word after rest — Answer: STOP. Hint: Think about what you do when you pause in a game or conversation! ⏸️
- 115. Small bite abroad — Answer: TAPA. Hint: Think of a delightful snack that's often enjoyed in Spain! 🍽️
- 116. Makeup of a certain web — Answer: LIES. Hint: Sometimes the truth gets tangled up in this web! 🕸️
- 117. Docs who really get in your face? — Answer: ENTS. Hint: These specialists know all about your mouth and throat! 🦷
- 119. Medical research ctr. — Answer: NIH. Hint: This federal agency is known for advancing health through research and is a key player in the medical field! 🏥
- 120. Dorm leaders, in brief — Answer: RAS. Hint: These student representatives often help guide their peers in residence life! 🏫
The answer to “Some film noir figures, for short” in the New York Times crossword is PIS — a 3-letter word. This clue ran in the New York Times crossword on July 26, 2026, a Sunday puzzle, at 91-Down. If it's the entry standing between you and a clean grid, that's the word you need — and below you'll find why it fits, plus links to the day's other clues if more than one square is giving you trouble.
“Some film noir figures, for short” answer
PIS (3 letters)
Reveal the solution one letter at a time with the tiles above if you'd rather nudge yourself toward it than see the whole word at once. Just want it outright? The answer is PIS.
Why the answer is PIS
Think of the mysterious characters who often roam the shadows in classic crime stories! 🎥
When else has “Some film noir figures, for short” appeared?
New York Times reuses clues across dates, sometimes with a different answer depending on the grid. Here's where this exact clue has shown up before, and what the answer was each time — handy if you landed here from a puzzle on another date.
July 26, 2026 (this puzzle) → PIS. We haven't indexed an earlier appearance of this exact clue yet.
More clues from the NYT Crossword crossword on July 26, 2026
Stuck elsewhere in the grid? Here are some of the crossing and nearby clues from the same puzzle — tap any for its answer and explanation.
- Shoe style with a small opening in the front → PEEPTOE
- Takes full advantage of → MILKS
- Until now → ASYET
- Man whom Jesus raised from the dead in John 11 → LAZARUS
- Flowed (from) → EMANATED
- Give for a time → LOANOUT
- Business address abbr. → STE
- Antagonist of this puzzle's subject → WARIO
Want every clue in one place? The full New York Times answer list for July 26, 2026 is on that day's grid page, and today's live NYT Crossword answers are always one tap from the today page.
About the NYT Crossword
The New York Times crossword, edited by Will Shortz, is the most famous daily puzzle in the United States. It runs a 15×15 grid Monday through Saturday and a larger 21×21 grid on Sunday, and its difficulty deliberately ramps through the week: Monday is the most approachable, Saturday the toughest, with Thursday often reserved for a trick or twist like rebus squares. This page covers a Sunday puzzle. A straight-definition entry is the kind of solid mid-grid answer that anchors the trickier crossings around it. Because the NYT reuses short, crossing-friendly words regularly, seeing them once makes them easier to spot next time.
Frequently asked questions
What is the answer to “Some film noir figures, for short”?
The answer is PIS, a 3-letter word. It appeared in the New York Times crossword on July 26, 2026.
How many letters is the answer to “Some film noir figures, for short”?
3 letters: PIS.
Where did this clue appear?
In the New York Times crossword on July 26, 2026 (a Sunday puzzle), at 91-Down.
Can “Some film noir figures, for short” have a different answer?
Yes — New York Times sometimes reuses a clue with a different solution to fit the grid. The answers we've recorded for each date it appeared are listed above when available.
Where can I find the rest of this day's NYT Crossword answers?
The full grid for July 26, 2026 is on the NYT Crossword answers page, with every clue and answer from that puzzle.