This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (6 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Tuesday puzzles are a step up from Monday but still mostly straightforward.
Answer length: 4 squares
First letter
N _ _ _
First and last letters
N _ _ F
Show the answer
About the answer
NERF as a word: (transitive, slang, video games) To change a mechanic, an ability or a character in a video game in order to make less efficacious; (slang, video games) The deterioration, weakening or worsening of a character, a weapon, a spell, etc.
NERF has been an answer 5 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since October 30, 2025.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
- Leafy side dish rich in vitamin K (2 Down)
- Residents of Tirana (3 Down)
- "Oh, that stupid little punk ..." (4 Down)
- Wall Street debut, for short (5 Down)
- Daniel of the "Knives Out" movies (7 Down)
- Devours (8 Down)
- Fuss and flurry (9 Down)
- Many a Starbucks employee (10 Down)
Play today's NYT Crossword at The New York Times
All crossword clues · Today's NYT Crossword answers · Today's Mini answers