This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Friday, January 9, 2026 (26 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
The question mark warns of wordplay. Expect a pun or a second meaning rather than a straight definition.
Answer length: 3 squares
First letter
C _ _
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About the answer
CPU as a word: (computing, slang) The main computer case containing the central components of a personal computer; (video games) Any character or entity controlled by the game software.
CPU has been an answer 2 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since January 9, 2026.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
- Clumsy oafs (19 Across)
- "You better believe it!" (20 Across)
- Bad thing to have in a poker game (22 Across)
- Dumps (25 Across)
- Confirmation from a maître d' (28 Across)
- "I didn't do it!" (30 Across)
- Stealthy flier (34 Across)
- Bummer at a casino game (39 Across)
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