This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 (34 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: 5 squares
First letter
C _ _ _ _
First and last letters
C _ _ _ E
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About the answer
CLOSE as a word: (physical) To remove or block an opening, gap or passage through; (ambitransitive) To move a thing, or part of a thing, nearer to another so that the gap or opening between the two is removed.
CLOSE has been an answer 2 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since January 7, 2026.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
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