This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 (31 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Wednesday sits mid-week in difficulty, with more wordplay than Monday or Tuesday.
Answer length: 3 squares
First letter
E _ _
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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 10 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 16, 2025.
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