This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, April 16, 2026 (24 Down). 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: 4 squares
First letter
M _ _ _
First and last letters
M _ _ S
Show the answer
About the answer
MATS as a word: Acronym of Military Air Transport Service, a consolidation of the US Navy's Naval Air Transport Service (NATS) and the United States Air Force Transport Comm....
MATS has been an answer 3 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since April 16, 2026.
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