This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, October 23, 2025 (36 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: 3 squares
First letter
G _ _
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About the answer
GOV as a word: (slang, abbreviation, shortened form) A term of address to a person, usually a stranger or a superior; (politics, slang) Clipping of government. [The body with the power to make and/or enforce laws to control a country, land area, people or organization.].
GOV has been an answer once in the NYT Crossword and Mini puzzles we have on file, which go back to October 23, 2025.
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