This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 (28 Across). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Wednesday sits mid-week in difficulty, with more wordplay than Monday or Tuesday.
Answer length: 3 squares
First letter
R _ _
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About the answer
RIO as a word: A grade of Spanish saffron, in quality below mancha and coupé but above standard and sierra; A town and former municipality of Achaea regional unit, West Greece region, Greece.
RIO has been an answer 14 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 10, 2025.
Other clues with the same answer
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More clues from this puzzle
- Gullible one (23 Across)
- Pepper that's two steps above poblano on the Scoville scale (24 Across)
- Irritated outburst (25 Across)
- Smallish batteries (30 Across)
- Reservoir producer (31 Across)
- Bounty (34 Across)
- Favorable starting point of an auto race (38 Across)
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