This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 (63 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Tuesday puzzles are a step up from Monday but still mostly straightforward.
Answer length: 3 squares
First letter
R _ _
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About the answer
REF as a word: (informal, ambitransitive) To referee; to act as a referee in a sport or game; A surname.
REF has been an answer 7 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 16, 2025.
Other clues with the same answer
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