This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Friday, December 12, 2025 (10 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Friday puzzles are themeless and hard, with clues that are vague on purpose.
How to read this clue
The question mark warns of wordplay. Expect a pun or a second meaning rather than a straight definition.
Answer length: 7 squares
First letter
A _ _ _ _ _ _
First and last letters
A _ _ _ _ _ T
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About the answer
ASPHALT as a word: A sticky, black to brown and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid, composed almost entirely of bitumen with small mineral particles, that is present in most c...; (transitive) To pave with asphalt.
ASPHALT has been an answer once in the NYT Crossword and Mini puzzles we have on file, which go back to October 23, 2025.
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