This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Sunday, February 15, 2026 (66 Across). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Sunday puzzles are large (21 by 21) and themed, about as hard as a Wednesday or Thursday.
Answer length: 3 squares
First letter
E _ _
Show the answer
About the answer
ESC as a word: Abbreviation of escape key (on a computer keyboard). [(computing) A key on a computer keyboard that can be used to cancel an operation.]; Alternative letter-case form of Esc (“escape key”).
ESC has been an answer 9 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 16, 2025.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
- Use salt instead of sugar while baking, say (57 Across)
- Skewered Indonesian dish (58 Across)
- ___ Winter, basketball coach who famously innovated the "triangle offense" (60 Across)
- Had a brain fart (61 Across)
- Like some simple repair jobs, in brief (69 Across)
- Grilled South American fare (70 Across)
- Smoothed (out) (72 Across)
- "Things are only going to get worse" ... or a hint to answering the seven italicized clues in this puzzle (73 Across)
Play today's NYT Crossword at The New York Times
All crossword clues · Today's NYT Crossword answers · Today's Mini answers