This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Friday, March 13, 2026 (30 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Friday puzzles are themeless and hard, with clues that are vague on purpose.
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: 8 squares
First letter
P _ _ _ _ _ _ _
First and last letters
P _ _ _ _ _ _ L
Show the answer
About the answer
PARENTAL as a word: Of or relating to a parent; Befitting a parent; affectionate; tender.
PARENTAL has been an answer once in the NYT Crossword and Mini puzzles we have on file, which go back to October 23, 2025.
More clues from this puzzle
- One way to start (26 Down)
- Dark beer variety (27 Down)
- Didn't do the right thing (28 Down)
- Figure-eight, for example (29 Down)
- Body of water near Sumatra (31 Down)
- Aids for competitive marathon runners (32 Down)
- Last six lines of a sonnet (34 Down)
- Announcement upon arriving (35 Down)
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