This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 (22 Across). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Wednesday sits mid-week in difficulty, with more wordplay than Monday or Tuesday.
Answer length: 8 squares
First letter
E _ _ _ _ _ _ _
First and last letters
E _ _ _ _ _ _ C
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About the answer
ESOTERIC as a word: Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest, or an enlightened inner circle; Having to do with concepts that are highly theoretical and without obvious practical application; often with mystical or religious connotations.
ESOTERIC 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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- In need of a massage, say (18 Across)
- Like those local to Universal Studios Japan (19 Across)
- Hide one's roots, perhaps (21 Across)
- Drill insert (24 Across)
- Polarizing punctuation choice (26 Across)
- Bracket-busting wins in March Madness (31 Across)
- Friend or ___ (35 Across)
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