This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, August 20, 2026 (29 Across). 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: 5 squares
First letter
R _ _ _ _
First and last letters
R _ _ _ R
Show the answer
About the answer
RIPER as a word: Of a fruit, vegetable, seed, etc., ready for reaping or gathering; having attained perfection; mature; Of a food, advanced to the state of fitness for use; mellow.
RIPER 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
- Competition, for starters (22 Across)
- York ___ (24 Across)
- Place recording (26 Across)
- Signals over game (27 Across)
- Crows to relatives (31 Across)
- Free booze (32 Across)
- Confidentiality of letters? (33 Across)
- "Done well" (37 Across)
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