Pack-bearing beast Daily / 86A / 3 letters
Puzzle clues NYT Crossword
___-backward NYT Crossword Clue
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Answer
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ASS
Explanation
Why This Answer Fits
ASS is the 3-letter answer for "___-backward" in the NYT Crossword. The clue is a fill-in-the-blank phrase, so the answer works by completing the wording naturally while matching the grid slot at 34A.
- Grid entry: ASS in the grid.
- Answer pattern: _ _ _.
- Clue type: Fill-in-the-blank.
- This is Across at 34A, so use the Down crossings to confirm ASS.
- ASS has 3 letters, matching the required slot for 34A.
Answer history
Other NYT Crossword Clues Using ASS
Jerk Daily / 61D / 3 letters
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Puzzle clues Total jerk Daily / 8D / 3 letters
Puzzle clues Hint
Read the phrase aloud and look for a 3-letter entry that completes the blank naturally.
How to solve it
Read the clue type first
Classify this as a fill-in-the-blank and verify that the 3 letters answer fits both the clue wording and the grid position.
- The blank is doing most of the work here. Look for a 3-letter entry that completes the phrase naturally.
- At 3 letters, this is a compact entry, so one crossing letter can change the solve quickly.
- For a blank clue, the missing entry should make the full phrase sound natural, not merely match a dictionary definition.
- Short entries are sensitive to crossings; one wrong letter can produce several plausible-looking answers.
- This clue appears at 34A in the NYT Crossword, so check the Down crossings for confirmation.
Position 34A
Answer length 3
Puzzle type Daily
Solver context
Extra Notes for This Clue
Wordplay
Wordplay Notes
For a blank clue, the missing entry should make the full phrase sound natural, not merely match a dictionary definition.
Trap
Common Trap
Short entries are sensitive to crossings; one wrong letter can produce several plausible-looking answers.
Crossings
Crossing Notes
This is Across at 34A, so use the Down crossings to confirm ASS.
Editor note
Editorial Note
Classify this as a fill-in-the-blank and verify that the 3 letters answer fits both the clue wording and the grid position.
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History
Clue History
April 20, 2026 Daily / 34A / 3 letters
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