This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 (34 Across). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Wednesday sits mid-week in difficulty, with more wordplay than Monday or Tuesday.
How to read this clue
This is a fill-in-the-blank clue: the answer completes the phrase, title or quotation.
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 6 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 28, 2025.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
- Dr. Frankenstein, in 1931's "Frankenstein" (24 Across)
- First in a line of 14 popes (29 Across)
- Draft cattle (30 Across)
- Not in financial trouble (31 Across)
- Dollop (37 Across)
- Prefix with presence or science (42 Across)
- Light hit at the plate (43 Across)
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