This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, August 6, 2026 (8 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.
How to read this clue
The question mark warns of wordplay. Expect a pun or a second meaning rather than a straight definition.
Answer length: 3 squares
First letter
D _ _
Show the answer
About the answer
DEM as a word: (US politics) Clipping of Democrat. [(politics) A proponent of democracy.]; (US politics) Abbreviation of Democratic Party.
DEM has been an answer 4 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since February 16, 2026.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
- At the helm (4 Down)
- "___ that right?" (5 Down)
- Number for December (6 Down)
- Bird with noted calf muscles (7 Down)
- Chả giò, on a Vietnamese menu (9 Down)
- Enervate (10 Down)
- Temptation for Homer Simpson (11 Down)
- Na+ or Cl- (12 Down)
Play today's NYT Crossword at The New York Times
All crossword clues · Today's NYT Crossword answers · Today's Mini answers