This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 (13 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
O _ _ _
First and last letters
O _ _ S
Show the answer
About the answer
OILS as a word: Petroleum-based liquid used as fuel or lubricant; Petroleum.
OILS has been an answer 4 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since October 26, 2025.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
- Defeat decisively (9 Down)
- Mock "Ooh, you frighten me!" (10 Down)
- Kind of shell (11 Down)
- "Wait, ___?" (12 Down)
- "The Magnificent Seven" or "The Hateful Eight" (18 Down)
- Where Caitlin Clark played Division I basketball (19 Down)
- Once called (24 Down)
- Warm-up lap leader (25 Down)
Play today's NYT Crossword at The New York Times
All crossword clues · Today's NYT Crossword answers · Today's Mini answers