This clue appeared in the Mini Crossword on Monday, August 31, 2026 (6 Across). The answer is hidden below until you want it.
How to read this clue
This is a fill-in-the-blank clue: the answer completes the phrase, title or quotation.
Answer length: 5 squares
First letter
E _ _ _ _
First and last letters
E _ _ _ Y
Show the answer
About the answer
EARLY as a word: Arriving a time before expected; sooner than on time; At a time in advance of the usual or expected event.
EARLY has been an answer 6 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 28, 2025.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
- Spider ___ (1 Across)
- Quaint term for a boyfriend, from the French (4 Across)
- Crocodile ___ (5 Across)
- ___ wolf (7 Across)
- Feeling tired and worn out (1 Down)
- British noble title (2 Down)
- ___ bee (3 Down)
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