In the latest crossword puzzle published by The New York Times on October 16, 2026, constructor Adam Shapiro has created a themeless challenge that emphasizes clever clues rather than thematic elements. These puzzles are released every Friday and Saturday, encouraging solvers to engage their problem-solving skills with a focus on wordplay.
Among the intriguing clues in today’s puzzle, the answer for 10-Down, which reads [Past word], is AGO, cleverly playing on its similarity to “password.” Another noteworthy clue, found at 50-Across, features the MOLE RAT, defined as a [Burrowing animal whose name is made up of two other animals]. This clue varies from previous descriptions which typically referenced the rodent simply as a [Burrowing rodent] or the “Naked” rodent, presenting it as a riddle to be solved.
Notable Clues
Another interesting clue at 34-Across, labeled [High concept?], uses the phrase CLOUD NINE to evoke imagery associated with high altitude. At 18-Across and 3-Down, a clue for [Not gendered] leads to the answer EPICENE, a challenging term for users who may recall it from biology class. The neighboring clue, [Virginia is in it, in brief], refers to the University of Virginia’s alignment in the Atlantic Coast Conference, or A.C.C., which some solvers noted might not be immediately recognizable.
A less familiar clue at 49-Across, [Rocky openings?], resolves to YOS, a reference that may confuse those not familiar with the “Rocky” films.
For those who took on this puzzle, more insights into particularly challenging clues can be shared, offering the community an opportunity to discuss their solving experiences. As solvers reflect on the clever constructions in Shapiro’s work, they continue to appreciate the subtleties of language that make crossword puzzles both challenging and rewarding.
