This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Saturday, February 7, 2026 (39 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Saturday puzzles are the hardest of the week and themeless, so clues are often deliberately misleading.
Answer length: 5 squares
First letter
H _ _ _ _
First and last letters
H _ _ _ E
Show the answer
About the answer
HESSE as a word: A state of modern Germany; A medieval principality and former duchy in Central Europe.
HESSE has been an answer 2 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since February 7, 2026.
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