This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, April 16, 2026 (33 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.
Answer length: 5 squares
First letter
B _ _ _ _
First and last letters
B _ _ _ L
Show the answer
About the answer
BASAL as a word: Basic, elementary; relating to, or forming, the base, or point of origin; (medicine) Of a minimal level that is necessary for maintaining the health or life of an organism.
BASAL 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
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- Something a reality show lacks (32 Down)
- Be against, in a way (38 Down)
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- Planned (41 Down)
- Officially give (42 Down)
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