This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, May 14, 2026 (47 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
D _ _ _
First and last letters
D _ _ E
Show the answer
About the answer
DIRE as a word: Requiring action to prevent bad consequences: urgent, pressing; Expressing bad consequences: dreadful; dismal.
DIRE has been an answer 2 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since March 31, 2026.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
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- Cut and paste, e.g. (51 Down)
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