This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, December 4, 2025 (48 Down). 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.
Answer length: 5 squares
First letter
E _ _ _ _
First and last letters
E _ _ _ Y
Show the answer
About the answer
EARLY as a word: Arriving a time before expected; sooner than on time; At a time in advance of the usual or expected event.
EARLY has been an answer 5 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 28, 2025.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
- It'll find a way, for short (42 Down)
- Noted name in clowns (44 Down)
- Falsify, as a photo (45 Down)
- Two-time Grammy-winning Easton (46 Down)
- When tripled, a 1962 Elvis movie title (49 Down)
- Go around (50 Down)
- Troupe for troops, in brief (51 Down)
- Jazz great Anita (55 Down)
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