This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, August 13, 2026 (28 Across). 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: 5 squares
First letter
S _ _ _ _
First and last letters
S _ _ _ M
Show the answer
About the answer
STEAM as a word: The hot gaseous form of water, formed when water changes from the liquid phase to the gas phase (at or above its boiling point temperature); The suspended condensate (cloud) formed by water vapour when it encounters colder air.
STEAM has been an answer 5 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 4, 2025.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
- Bamboozle (21 Across)
- Michigan, in Chicago: Abbr. (23 Across)
- Messenger (24 Across)
- Alimony recipients, say (26 Across)
- Important travel info, in brief (30 Across)
- Dessert often eaten before the ides of March (31 Across)
- Hold up (33 Across)
- "Light" weapon (35 Across)
Play today's NYT Crossword at The New York Times
All crossword clues · Today's NYT Crossword answers · Today's Mini answers