This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 (17 Across) and the Mini Crossword on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 (7 Across). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Wednesday sits mid-week in difficulty, with more wordplay than Monday or Tuesday.
NYT Crossword, May 27, 2026, 17 Across
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.
Mini Crossword, November 18, 2025, 7 Across
Answer length: 5 squares
First letter
I _ _ _ _
First and last letters
I _ _ _ L
Show the answer
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
- Popular pub pastime (9 Across)
- Superman is one, notably (14 Across)
- "O Sole ___" (15 Across)
- Best effort (16 Across)
- Red flag for a mortgage applicant (18 Across)
- November 19, 1863 (20 Across)
- Things exchanged at an altar (22 Across)
- Univ. in Troy, N.Y. (23 Across)
Play today's NYT Crossword at The New York Times
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