This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, May 28, 2026 (32 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.
How to read this clue
The question mark warns of wordplay. Expect a pun or a second meaning rather than a straight definition.
Answer length: 8 squares
First letter
S _ _ _ _ _ _ _
First and last letters
S _ _ _ _ _ _ D
Show the answer
About the answer
SAFEWORD as a word: (chiefly BDSM) A word used in (especially sadomasochistic) sexual practices to unambiguously indicate that a participant actually desires the activity to cea...; (chiefly BDSM) To stop a sex act by using a safeword.
SAFEWORD has been an answer 2 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since April 18, 2026.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
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