This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 (38 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Wednesday sits mid-week in difficulty, with more wordplay than Monday or Tuesday.
Answer length: 5 squares
First letter
E _ _ _ _
First and last letters
E _ _ _ Y
Show the answer
About the answer
ESSAY as a word: (publishing) A written composition of moderate length, exploring a particular issue or subject; (dated, transitive) To attempt or try.
ESSAY has been an answer 6 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 19, 2025.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
- Ruler's length? (31 Down)
- Cuff or hem, say (32 Down)
- Any of Scar's underlings in "The Lion King" (33 Down)
- Unfit for the job (35 Down)
- Gear parts (40 Down)
- Completely collapses (43 Down)
- Like some Quaker products (45 Down)
- Where you are when in Roma (48 Down)
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