This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Monday, May 4, 2026 (49 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Monday puzzles are the easiest of the week, so the clue is likely a plain definition.
Answer length: 5 squares
First letter
I _ _ _ _
First and last letters
I _ _ _ L
Show the answer
About the answer
IDEAL as a word: Optimal; being the best possibility; Perfect, flawless, having no defects.
IDEAL has been an answer 9 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 18, 2025.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
- Resembling (45 Down)
- Spot for three men in a nursery rhyme (46 Down)
- Exam for a future doc (47 Down)
- Culinary personality Lakshmi (48 Down)
- Wyoming's Grand ___ National Park (50 Down)
- "Hi, you know who this is" (51 Down)
- Undomesticated (54 Down)
- Smoothie "superfood" (55 Down)
Play today's NYT Crossword at The New York Times
All crossword clues · Today's NYT Crossword answers · Today's Mini answers