NYT Crossword helper

Check a crossword grid, including known rebus cells, against your candidate answers.

Your puzzle

Current grid

One row per line. A dot is unknown; # is a block. Put known multiple-letter cells in braces, such as {HEART}.

Proposed answers by entry (optional)

One line per entry: 1A: CAT, CAR. Separate possible answers with commas. Entries use normal crossword numbering. Without a list, the local dictionary supplies that entry.

Dictionary and candidate scope

The local dictionary is independent of the publisher's accepted list. Names, phrases and short words may need a list you enter.

Word listYour words (optional)

Used only when Words I enter is selected. Separate 1–48-letter words with spaces or new lines; up to 2,000 words.

The example illustrates the helper; it is not a publisher's daily puzzle.

A little help

Enter your puzzle or try the original example. You choose when to open candidates, explanations and complete results.

How the NYT Crossword helper works

Grid numbering advances at a cell that starts an Across or Down entry.
Known cells stay fixed. A candidate list replaces the dictionary for its entry.
Repeated answers are not automatically forbidden; themed puzzles may require unusual entries.

Follow crossing constraints through a full grid. Give each uncertain entry a shortlist to compare alternatives, preserve a confirmed rebus and reveal only a letter that survives every completed search.

Results use the puzzle you enter; they are not verified daily answers. Your entries stay out of public URLs.

Resolve an ambiguous crossing

If one entry allows AREA or ARIA, the crossing at its third cell needs E or I. A Down entry that permits only E removes ARIA. The helper repeats that process through connected entries and checks remaining branches before claiming a forced letter.

Handle a rebus deliberately

Write {HEART} for a confirmed HEART cell. The five letters occupy one grid cell and must match the Across and Down answers. An unknown multi-letter cell cannot be treated as a dot: add its confirmed contents before searching.

Interpret a search limit

Large blank grids can have enormous numbers of lexical fills. A limited search offers possible fills without asserting uniqueness or forced letters. Add clue-based shortlists or confirmed letters and search again.

Supported puzzle types

Standard crossword grids up to 25 × 25
Known alphabetic rebus cells

Scope of this helper

Player-entered puzzles only; no verified daily answer feed.
Local word matches are dictionary candidates, not confirmation of the intended clue answer.

Play the original at The New York Times. This is an unofficial helper with no publisher affiliation.

Rules and reference sources

NYT Crossword rules and guide — checked 2026-10-04

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