This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 (45 Across). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Wednesday sits mid-week in difficulty, with more wordplay than Monday or Tuesday.
How to read this clue
This is a fill-in-the-blank clue: the answer completes the phrase, title or quotation.
Answer length: 6 squares
First letter
E _ _ _ _ _
First and last letters
E _ _ _ _ E
Show the answer
About the answer
EMPIRE as a word: A political state, often a monarchy, that has achieved a much greater current size than its initial size by conquering surrounding territories, cities or nat...; A political unit ruled by an emperor or empress.
EMPIRE has been an answer 4 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 18, 2025.
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