This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, August 13, 2026 (19 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: 6 squares
First letter
O _ _ _ _ _
First and last letters
O _ _ _ _ D
Show the answer
About the answer
ORATED as a word: To speak formally; to give a speech; To speak passionately; to preach for or against something.
ORATED has been an answer 3 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since February 23, 2026.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
- Letters indicating a texter's P.O.V. (14 Across)
- Fried side dish with catfish, perhaps (15 Across)
- Cough drop brand whose name is yodeled in its commercials (16 Across)
- Mafia members, e.g. (17 Across)
- Tiptoed, say (20 Across)
- Bamboozle (21 Across)
- Michigan, in Chicago: Abbr. (23 Across)
- Messenger (24 Across)
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