This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Friday, January 23, 2026 (44 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Friday puzzles are themeless and hard, with clues that are vague on purpose.
Answer length: 4 squares
First letter
L _ _ _
First and last letters
L _ _ D
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About the answer
LEAD as a word: (uncountable) A heavy, pliable, inelastic metal element, having a bright, bluish color, but easily tarnished; both malleable and ductile, though with little ...; (countable, nautical) A plummet or mass of lead attached to a line, used in sounding depth at sea or (dated) to estimate velocity in knots.
LEAD has been an answer 4 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since January 23, 2026.
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