This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 (53 Across). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Wednesday sits mid-week in difficulty, with more wordplay than Monday or Tuesday.
Answer length: 4 squares
First letter
D _ _ _
First and last letters
D _ _ Y
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About the answer
DEFY as a word: (transitive) To refuse to obey; (transitive) To challenge (someone) or brave (a hazard or opposition).
DEFY 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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