This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Saturday, January 24, 2026 (38 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.
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: 3 squares
First letter
N _ _
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About the answer
NEE as a word: (North American English, unisex) Used when giving a former name. Originally known as; A surname.
NEE has been an answer 10 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since January 14, 2026.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
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- Main greeting (42 Down)
- Pointer that changes with the weather (43 Down)
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