This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, January 22, 2026 (41 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.
Answer length: 3 squares
First letter
R _ _
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About the answer
ROT as a word: (intransitive) To suffer decomposition due to biological action, especially by fungi or bacteria; (intransitive) To decline in function or utility.
ROT has been an answer 6 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since January 22, 2026.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
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