This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Saturday, February 21, 2026 (37 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Saturday puzzles are the hardest of the week and themeless, so clues are often deliberately misleading.
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: 8 squares
First letter
E _ _ _ _ _ _ _
First and last letters
E _ _ _ _ _ _ E
Show the answer
About the answer
EXORCISE as a word: (transitive) To drive out (an evil spirit) from a person, place or thing, especially by an incantation or prayer; (transitive) To rid (a person, place or thing) of an evil spirit.
EXORCISE 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
- Beginner's set (30 Down)
- Rack up (33 Down)
- Ruined (35 Down)
- Blend into one (36 Down)
- Hydrogen sulfide, e.g. (38 Down)
- Big times (44 Down)
- You might hear a hiss when it's pulled (46 Down)
- Defunct image editor (47 Down)
Play today's NYT Crossword at The New York Times
All crossword clues · Today's NYT Crossword answers · Today's Mini answers