This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Friday, August 14, 2026 (39 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Friday puzzles are themeless and hard, with clues that are vague on purpose.
Answer length: 3 squares
First letter
E _ _
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About the answer
ESC as a word: Abbreviation of escape key (on a computer keyboard). [(computing) A key on a computer keyboard that can be used to cancel an operation.]; Alternative letter-case form of Esc (“escape key”).
ESC has been an answer 9 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 16, 2025.
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