This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 (44 Across). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Wednesday sits mid-week in difficulty, with more wordplay than Monday or Tuesday.
How to read this clue
This is a fill-in-the-blank clue: the answer completes the phrase, title or quotation.
Answer length: 3 squares
First letter
R _ _
Show the answer
About the answer
ROT as a word: (intransitive) To suffer decomposition due to biological action, especially by fungi or bacteria; (intransitive) To decline in function or utility.
ROT has been an answer 6 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since January 22, 2026.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
- Casual refusal (37 Across)
- "Way to go, kid!" (38 Across)
- Heir to the throne, maybe (41 Across)
- Like a good explanation, say (42 Across)
- Prominent features of tarsiers (45 Across)
- [M/H]inds (46 Across)
- Fitness fad popularized by Billy Blanks (50 Across)
- "Animal Farm" or "The Simpsons" (51 Across)
Play today's NYT Crossword at The New York Times
All crossword clues · Today's NYT Crossword answers · Today's Mini answers