This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, January 1, 2026 (4 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.
Answer length: 5 squares
First letter
S _ _ _ _
First and last letters
S _ _ _ M
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About the answer
STEAM as a word: The hot gaseous form of water, formed when water changes from the liquid phase to the gas phase (at or above its boiling point temperature); The suspended condensate (cloud) formed by water vapour when it encounters colder air.
STEAM has been an answer 5 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 4, 2025.
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