This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Friday, October 16, 2026 (58 Across). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Friday puzzles are themeless and hard, with clues that are vague on purpose.
How to read this clue
This is a fill-in-the-blank clue: the answer completes the phrase, title or quotation.
Answer length: 3 squares
First letter
M _ _
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About the answer
MAT as a word: A flat piece of coarse material used for wiping one’s feet, or as a decorative or protective floor covering; A small flat piece of material used to protect a surface from anything hot or rough; a coaster.
MAT has been an answer 7 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since January 15, 2026.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
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- Losing causes? (57 Across)
- The 22nd Amendment limits them (59 Across)
- "Piece of cake!" (1 Down)
- Reality show whose contestants report to the Judge's Table (2 Down)
- Not gendered (3 Down)
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