This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Monday, October 26, 2026 (38 Down) and the NYT Crossword on Thursday, March 19, 2026 (41 Across). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Monday puzzles are the easiest of the week, so the clue is likely a plain definition.
How to read this clue
This is a fill-in-the-blank clue: the answer completes the phrase, title or quotation.
NYT Crossword, October 26, 2026, 38 Down
Answer length: 3 squares
First letter
P _ _
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About the answer
PET as a word: An animal kept as a companion or otherwise for pleasure, rather than for some practical benefit or use; (by extension) Something kept as a companion, including inanimate objects (pet rock, pet plant, etc.).
PET has been an answer 5 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 25, 2025.
NYT Crossword, March 19, 2026, 41 Across
Answer length: 3 squares
First letter
I _ _
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About the answer
IRK as a word: (transitive) to irritate; annoy; bother; An annoyance.
IRK has been an answer 3 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since March 19, 2026.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
- Blue-book event (33 Down)
- Partner of wined (34 Down)
- Suffix for some sugars (35 Down)
- "Better Call Saul" network (37 Down)
- Reason to give a darn? (40 Down)
- 1970s feminist cause, for short (41 Down)
- Ends a relationship with by suddenly cutting off communication (46 Down)
- Central Plains tribe (47 Down)
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