This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, January 8, 2026 (40 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Thursday puzzles often have a trick, such as a rebus (several letters in one square) or answers that bend the rules.
Answer length: 4 squares
First letter
D _ _ _
First and last letters
D _ _ R
Show the answer
About the answer
DEAR as a word: Loved; lovable; Precious to or greatly valued by someone.
DEAR has been an answer 2 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since January 8, 2026.
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