This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 (40 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: 5 squares
First letter
L _ _ _ _
First and last letters
L _ _ _ E
Show the answer
About the answer
LOOSE as a word: (transitive) To let loose, to free from restraints; (transitive) To unfasten, to loosen.
LOOSE has been an answer 8 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since October 26, 2025.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
- Drop (32 Down)
- North Carolina university (33 Down)
- Chicago paper, with "the" (35 Down)
- ___ Max, singer of the 2018 hit "Sweet but Psycho" (39 Down)
- Longtime "American Dad!" airer (41 Down)
- 2001 biopic starring Will Smith (42 Down)
- The "Beyhive" for Beyoncé, e.g. (43 Down)
- Country bordering Chad and Benin (46 Down)
Play today's NYT Crossword at The New York Times
All crossword clues · Today's NYT Crossword answers · Today's Mini answers