This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 (42 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
A _ _
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About the answer
ALI as a word: A male given name from Arabic; (Islam) The Caliph Ali ibn Abi Talib, considered by Shias to be Muhammad's first successor (imam).
ALI has been an answer 21 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 30, 2025.
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