This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Sunday, March 8, 2026 (91 Down) and the NYT Crossword on Saturday, February 7, 2026 (40 Across). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Sunday puzzles are large (21 by 21) and themed, about as hard as a Wednesday or Thursday.
NYT Crossword, March 8, 2026, 91 Down
Answer length: 5 squares
First letter
I _ _ _ _
First and last letters
I _ _ _ L
Show the answer
About the answer
IDEAL as a word: Optimal; being the best possibility; Perfect, flawless, having no defects.
IDEAL has been an answer 9 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 18, 2025.
NYT Crossword, February 7, 2026, 40 Across
Answer length: 7 squares
First letter
O _ _ _ _ _ _
First and last letters
O _ _ _ _ _ L
Show the answer
About the answer
OPTIMAL as a word: The best, most favourable or desirable, especially under some restriction; The best of its kind.
OPTIMAL has been an answer once in the NYT Crossword and Mini puzzles we have on file, which go back to October 23, 2025.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
- Aussie greeting (83 Down)
- Like some textiles (85 Down)
- Burnable storage unit, in brief (87 Down)
- They can't be returned (89 Down)
- Skydiving requirement (92 Down)
- Styx song that starts "Domo arigato" (94 Down)
- Delayed (96 Down)
- Wisdom (97 Down)
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