This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, January 8, 2026 (4 Across). 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
A _ _ _
First and last letters
A _ _ S
Show the answer
About the answer
ABCS as a word: (US, usually plural only, countable) The alphabet; The alphabet, especially the English alphabet.
ABCS has been an answer 8 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 19, 2025.
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