This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Sunday, April 5, 2026 (79 Down). 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: 5 squares
First letter
I _ _ _ _
First and last letters
I _ _ _ L
Show the answer
About the answer
IDEAL as a word: Optimal; being the best possibility; Perfect, flawless, having no defects.
IDEAL has been an answer 9 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 18, 2025.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
- A long time, in Spain (73 Down)
- Tach stats (75 Down)
- Sax player Clarence (77 Down)
- "The Greek" in a 1964 film (78 Down)
- Emergency option for a fighter pilot (81 Down)
- High, wispy clouds (82 Down)
- Alice of TV's "Queen of the South" (83 Down)
- Manage moguls, say (86 Down)
Play today's NYT Crossword at The New York Times
All crossword clues · Today's NYT Crossword answers · Today's Mini answers