This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, February 12, 2026 (52 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.
How to read this clue
The asterisk marks a theme answer. It ties in to the puzzle's theme, which a "revealer" clue elsewhere in the grid usually explains.
Answer length: 5 squares
First letter
M _ _ _ _
First and last letters
M _ _ _ M
Show the answer
About the answer
MAXIM as a word: A precept; a succinct statement or observation of a rule of conduct or moral teaching; (now rare) A self-evident axiom or premise; a pithy expression of a general principle or rule.
MAXIM has been an answer once in the NYT Crossword and Mini puzzles we have on file, which go back to October 23, 2025.
More clues from this puzzle
- Hollywood's Anderson or Bach (46 Down)
- Nosh (48 Down)
- Little laugh (49 Down)
- Sounds from un estadio (51 Down)
- Words of affirmation (55 Down)
- Resting place for a boa (56 Down)
- Pâté de foie ___ (57 Down)
- Unpleasant discovery under a desk (58 Down)
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