This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 (20 Across). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Tuesday puzzles are a step up from Monday but still mostly straightforward.
Answer length: 3 squares
First letter
S _ _
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About the answer
SEC as a word: (informal) Second, ¹⁄₆₀ of a minute; (colloquial) Clipping of second (“short indeterminate period of time”). [Something that is number two in a series.].
SEC has been an answer 8 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since December 29, 2025.
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