This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 (17 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Wednesday sits mid-week in difficulty, with more wordplay than Monday or Tuesday.
Answer length: 4 squares
First letter
F _ _ _
First and last letters
F _ _ T
Show the answer
About the answer
FRET as a word: (transitive) To chafe or irritate; to worry; (transitive) To make rough, to agitate or disturb; to cause to ripple.
FRET has been an answer 4 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 30, 2025.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
- Portable bed (11 Down)
- Mixed martial arts org. (12 Down)
- Bay Area airport code (13 Down)
- ID thief's target: Abbr. (14 Down)
- Valvoline rival (21 Down)
- Gathering, informally (25 Down)
- Cat that's spotted in South America (27 Down)
- It's on a roll (28 Down)
Play today's NYT Crossword at The New York Times
All crossword clues · Today's NYT Crossword answers · Today's Mini answers