This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Sunday, July 19, 2026 (80 Across). 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.
Answer length: 8 squares
First letter
S _ _ _ _ _ _ _
First and last letters
S _ _ _ _ _ _ S
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About the answer
STEEPENS as a word: (transitive) To make steeper; (intransitive) To become steeper.
STEEPENS 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
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- Allow to enroll (77 Across)
- Brand seen on the U.S. World Cup jerseys (79 Across)
- Vague approximation (82 Across)
- Restrictive undergarment (85 Across)
- Word employment (86 Across)
- Pia ___ (brain covering) (88 Across)
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