Close by Daily / 80A / 4 letters
Puzzle clues NYT Crossword
___ and dear NYT Crossword Clue
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Answer
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NEAR
Explanation
Why This Answer Fits
NEAR is the 4-letter answer for the clue "___ and dear". The answer supplies the missing word or phrase in the clue, so reading the clue aloud with the answer inserted is the quickest check. In this NYT Crossword, it appears at 12A, so the crossing entries help verify the exact spelling.
- Grid entry: NEAR in the grid.
- Answer pattern: _ _ _ _.
- Clue type: Fill-in-the-blank.
- NEAR has 4 letters, matching the required slot for 12A.
Hint
The blank is doing most of the work here. Look for a 4-letter entry that completes the phrase naturally.
How to solve it
Read the clue type first
For the clue "___ and dear", first identify whether the wording is direct, referential, abbreviated, or playful. This one is best treated as a fill-in-the-blank.
- The blank is doing most of the work here. Look for a 4-letter entry that completes the phrase naturally.
- The answer slot has 4 letters, which narrows the clue to a specific grid shape.
- This clue appears at 12A in the NYT Crossword, so check the Down crossings for confirmation.
Position 12A
Answer length 4
Puzzle type Daily
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History
Clue History
July 14, 2026 Daily / 12A / 4 letters
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