This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, July 30, 2026 (21 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
T _ _
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About the answer
TAN as a word: A light, brown-like colour; A darkening of the skin resulting from exposure to sunlight or similar light sources.
TAN has been an answer 11 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 6, 2025.
Other clues with the same answer
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