This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 (20 Across). 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
N _ _ _
First and last letters
N _ _ F
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About the answer
NERF as a word: (transitive, slang, video games) To change a mechanic, an ability or a character in a video game in order to make less efficacious; (slang, video games) The deterioration, weakening or worsening of a character, a weapon, a spell, etc.
NERF has been an answer 6 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since October 30, 2025.
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