This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, July 30, 2026 (23 Across). 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: 5 squares
First letter
N _ _ _ _
First and last letters
N _ _ _ L
Show the answer
About the answer
NOVEL as a word: A work of prose fiction, longer than a novella; Original, especially in an interesting way; new and striking; not of the typical or ordinary type.
NOVEL has been an answer once in the NYT Crossword and Mini puzzles we have on file, which go back to October 23, 2025.
More clues from this puzzle
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- Veteran (25 Across)
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- Change logos, maybe (31 Across)
- "Bravo!" (33 Across)
Play today's NYT Crossword at The New York Times
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