This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, February 19, 2026 (35 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: 3 squares
First letter
A _ _
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About the answer
ALI as a word: A male given name from Arabic; (Islam) The Caliph Ali ibn Abi Talib, considered by Shias to be Muhammad's first successor (imam).
ALI has been an answer 21 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 30, 2025.
Other clues with the same answer
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- Australian actor Eric (40 Across)
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