This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Friday, October 30, 2026 (13 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Friday puzzles are themeless and hard, with clues that are vague on purpose.
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
S _ _
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About the answer
SSN as a word: (US) Initialism of social security number. [(US) A nine-digit number issued to citizens, permanent residents, and temporary (working) residents by the Social...; (US, Navy) Initialism of sub-surface nuclear, a nuclear-powered attack submarine.
SSN has been an answer 20 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 14, 2025.
Other clues with the same answer
- ID in some data breaches
- W-2 requirement, in brief
- ID used for far more than its name suggests
- ID thief's target: Abbr.
- W-9 fig.
- XXX-XX-XXXX ID
- Fig. with two hyphens
- It's often identified by its last four digits, in brief
- Digital ID?
- You might be asked for your "last four" of this, in brief
- You can request a new one on religious grounds if it contains "666": Abbr.
- Often-redacted fig.
More clues from this puzzle
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- Take some liberties (21 Down)
- Monitors for accuracy, just because (23 Down)
- Goddess referenced in "Aida" (26 Down)
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