The New York Times crossword puzzle for October 26, 2026, features a clever theme designed by frequent collaborators Kevin Christian and Andrea Carla Michaels. The central word, “scattershot,” relates to the scattered letters in certain answers throughout the puzzle.
In the puzzle, specific entries conceal the letters S-H-O-T, providing hints to the theme. For instance, the answer to 16-Across, described as a “[Walled area for a racket sport],” is “squash court.” Meanwhile, 25-Across refers to the “[Band with the 1999 triple-platinum hit ‘All Star’],” which is “Smash Mouth.”
Today’s Theme
At 39-Across, the clue “[Pretty please? I won’t ask again]” leads to the answer “just this one time,” while 48-Across features the phrase “[Played mind games with],” resulting in “psyched out.” Each of these answers cleverly integrates the letters that form “shot” in a scattered arrangement.
Michaels noted in her constructor notes that she initially believed the term “scattershot” was actually two separate words, “scattered shot.” This misinterpretation sparked a discussion about common misconceptions regarding the term. Readers are encouraged to share their own misunderstandings in the comments section, fostering a sense of community among puzzle enthusiasts.
The engaging design of today’s crossword exemplifies the innovative thinking that goes into puzzle construction, inviting solvers to appreciate both the challenge and the creativity involved.
