NYT Crossword

Dear ___ (letter start) NYT Crossword Clue

23A | 3 letters

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Answer

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SIR

Explanation

Why This Answer Fits

SIR is the 3-letter answer for "Dear ___ (letter start)" 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 23A.

  • Grid entry: SIR in the grid.
  • Answer pattern: _ _ _.
  • Clue type: Fill-in-the-blank.
  • This is Across at 23A, so use the Down crossings to confirm SIR.
  • SIR has 3 letters, matching the required slot for 23A.

Answer history

Other NYT Crossword Clues Using SIR

We have not seen many previous NYT clues for this answer yet.

View all SIR clues

Hint

This clue is asking for a compact abbreviation-style entry.

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 23A in the NYT Crossword, so check the Down crossings for confirmation.
Position 23A
Answer length 3
Puzzle type Daily
View full puzzle answers

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 23A, so use the Down crossings to confirm SIR.

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

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