This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, November 12, 2026 (22 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Thursday puzzles often have a trick, such as a rebus (several letters in one square) or answers that bend the rules.
Answer length: 6 squares
First letter
P _ _ _ _ _
First and last letters
P _ _ _ _ S
Show the answer
About the answer
PIQUES as a word: (transitive) To excite (someone) to action, especially by causing jealousy, resentment, etc.; also, to stimulate (an emotion or feeling, especially curiosity...; (transitive) To wound the pride of (someone); to excite to anger; to irritate, to offend.
PIQUES has been an answer once in the NYT Crossword and Mini puzzles we have on file, which go back to October 23, 2025.
More clues from this puzzle
- Next in line, maybe (11 Down)
- Stops vacillating (12 Down)
- Actress Reid of "The Big Lebowski" (14 Down)
- Broccoli ___ (16 Down)
- In need of laundering, perhaps (23 Down)
- Big altercation (24 Down)
- Lacrosse player with specialized padding (25 Down)
- As is fitting (27 Down)
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