This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Friday, January 30, 2026 (26 Across). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Friday puzzles are themeless and hard, with clues that are vague on purpose.
Answer length: 8 squares
First letter
B _ _ _ _ _ _ _
First and last letters
B _ _ _ _ _ _ S
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About the answer
BALLASTS as a word: (nautical) Heavy material that is placed in the hold of a ship (or in the gondola of a balloon), to provide stability; Coarse gravel or similar material laid to form a bed for roads or railroads, or in making concrete; track ballast.
BALLASTS 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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