This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, September 17, 2026 (17 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: 4 squares
First letter
S _ _ _
First and last letters
S _ _ Y
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About the answer
SPAY as a word: (transitive) To destroy or remove the ovaries or uterus (of a female animal) to prevent pregnancy; The act of spaying an animal.
SPAY has been an answer 7 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since February 3, 2026.
Other clues with the same answer
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