This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, January 22, 2026 (19 Down). 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
R _ _ _
First and last letters
R _ _ E
Show the answer
About the answer
RULE as a word: A regulation, law, guideline; A regulating principle.
RULE 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
- (The) OK (10 Down)
- Bees, but not birds (12 Down)
- Trig ratio (13 Down)
- Like a run that sends the game into extra innings, say (21 Down)
- Buffet table item (25 Down)
- ___ de plume (28 Down)
- Increase one's intensity (29 Down)
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