NYT Midi Crossword · The New York Times
Midi Crossword Clues, Hints & Answers for October 23, 2026
Friday, October 23, 2026
By WordFinderZ Puzzle TeamLast updated How we make hints
This archive page covers the Midi Crossword from Friday, October 23, 2026. The Midi is a mid-sized daily crossword that sits between the quick Mini and the full daily puzzle. It takes longer than a coffee break but less than a lunch hour. Hints come first and the solution stays hidden until you ask for it.
Across clues & answers
- 33
Down clues & answers
Know someone stuck on this one? The link opens on the hints, not the answer.
Previous Midi Crossword answer
Thursday, October 22, 2026
across
- 1. Distributes playing cards: DEALS
- 6. Phil ___, lead singer/drummer of Genesis: COLLINS
- 8. Phil ___, winner of World Series of Poker bracelets in five different decades: HELLMUTH
- 10. Retirement savings plan, for short: IRA
- 11. Some natural hairstyles: AFROS
- 13. It "warms you a bit but the warming is temporary," per Marilyn Monroe: FAME
- 14. I.C.U. drip lines: IVS
- 17. Partner of improved: NEW
- 18. Champagne bucket grabbers: ICETONGS
- 21. Phil ___, longtime TV talk show host: DONAHUE
- 22. Phil ___, co-founder of Nike: KNIGHT
down
- 1. Real go-getter: DOER
- 2. Jazz singer Fitzgerald: ELLA
- 3. 100%: ALL
- 4. Capital of Peru: LIMA
- 5. Extinguish, as a candle: SNUFF
- 6. The N.F.L.'s Bears, on scoreboards: CHI
- 7. Odd or bizarre: STRANGE
- 9. Realtors' listings: HOMES
- 12. Work with needle and thread: SEW
- 14. Clickable image: ICON
- 15. Word before "vidi" and "vici" in Caesar's boast: VENI
- 16. Norse mythology's Eikthyrnir (whose antlers drip water that fills the world's rivers), e.g.: STAG
- 18. Texter's "No idea": IDK
- 19. "NOW it's clear to me!": OHH
- 20. Pistachio or pecan: NUT
More daily puzzle hints
- WordleGuess the five-letter word in six triesGuide & tips
- ConnectionsSort 16 words into four hidden groupsGuide & tips
- StrandsFind the themed words hidden in a letter gridGuide & tips
- Spelling BeeMake words from seven letters around a center letterGuide & tips
- Mini CrosswordA bite-size crossword you can finish over coffeeGuide & tips
- Connections: Sports EditionConnections with a sports-only word poolGuide & tips
- Letter BoxedChain words around a square using all 12 lettersGuide & tips
- The CrosswordThe classic daily crossword, easiest on MondayGuide & tips
What to expect from the Midi
The Midi uses a grid around nine squares wide, with a few dozen clues in total. That size leaves room for longer answers and a light theme, while keeping the clues approachable. It is a good stepping stone if the Mini feels too short and the main crossword feels daunting.
Tips for mid-size grids
- Look for the long entries. The longest Across and Down answers often share the theme. Crack one and the others follow.
- Read the question mark. A clue ending in "?" signals wordplay or a pun rather than a straight definition.
- Abbreviations match. If the clue is abbreviated (e.g. "Dept."), the answer usually is too.
- Move around the grid. If a section stalls, start somewhere new; fresh crossings will help when you return.
- Take one letter, not the answer. Our tiles let you reveal a single letter so you keep the satisfaction of finishing.
Midi Crossword FAQ
How long does the Midi take?
Most solvers finish in five to fifteen minutes, depending on the day and how familiar the theme is.
Is there a yesterday page for the Midi?
Every past Midi has its own page in our Midi archive, with the same hints and reveal tools.
Can a solver help with a single clue?
Yes. Enter the pattern you have (e.g. C?A?E) into our crossword solver to list matching words.