This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Friday, January 23, 2026 (6 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: 5 squares
First letter
G _ _ _ _
First and last letters
G _ _ _ S
Show the answer
About the answer
GENES as a word: Genes, from 2003, is the first album released by Dave Couse since the breakup of A House in 1997; a quarterly peer-reviewed open access scientific journal that is published by MDPI.
GENES has been an answer 4 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since January 23, 2026.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
- French letter opener (2 Down)
- Niche for a shrine (3 Down)
- Essence of the matter (4 Down)
- "I'll take the blame" (5 Down)
- Broccoli ___ (7 Down)
- How to look at your hot fudge sundae (8 Down)
- A little possessive, perhaps? (9 Down)
- Pocket money (10 Down)
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