This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, July 9, 2026 (28 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 question mark warns of wordplay. Expect a pun or a second meaning rather than a straight definition.
Answer length: 10 squares
First letter
S _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
First and last letters
S _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ E
Show the answer
STRIPTEASE
About the answer
STRIPTEASE as a word: The act of slowly taking off one's clothes to sexually arouse the viewer, often accompanied by music and in exchange for money; (intransitive) To perform a striptease.
STRIPTEASE 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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