This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Sunday, November 30, 2025 (85 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Sunday puzzles are large (21 by 21) and themed, about as hard as a Wednesday or Thursday.
How to read this clue
The question mark warns of wordplay. Expect a pun or a second meaning rather than a straight definition.
Answer length: 4 squares
First letter
N _ _ _
First and last letters
N _ _ A
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About the answer
NOVA as a word: (astronomy) Any sudden brightening of a previously inconspicuous star; (uncountable) Smoked Nova Scotia salmon.
NOVA has been an answer 6 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 30, 2025.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
- Open-weave fabric (81 Down)
- New York School poet Frank (82 Down)
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- First-rate (84 Down)
- More prudent (88 Down)
- About to explode, say (89 Down)
- Pink character in the "Toy Story" movies (91 Down)
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