May 17, 2026 Daily / 81D / 3 letters
Puzzle clues NYT Crossword
Experienced a bit of turnover? NYT Crossword Clue
Use the hint first, then reveal the answer only if you need it.
Hint
The question mark is a signal to read the clue indirectly. Try a playful answer that fits the 3-letter slot rather than only a plain synonym.
How to solve it
Read the clue type first
For the clue: Experienced a bit of turnover?, first identify whether the wording is direct, referential, abbreviated, or playful. This one is best treated as a wordplay.
- The question mark is a signal to read the clue indirectly. Try a playful answer that fits the 3-letter slot rather than only a plain synonym.
- At 3 letters, this is a compact entry, so one crossing letter can change the solve quickly.
- This clue appears at 81D in the NYT Crossword, so check the Across crossings for confirmation.
Reveal Answer Hide Answer
ATE
Explanation
Why This Answer Fits
ATE is the 3-letter answer for the clue: Experienced a bit of turnover?. The question mark makes this a wordplay-style clue, so the answer is supported by an indirect reading of the wording. In this NYT Crossword, it appears at 81D, so the crossing entries help verify the exact spelling.
- Grid entry: ATE in the grid.
- Answer pattern: _ _ _.
- Clue type: Wordplay.
- ATE has 3 letters, matching the required slot for 81D.
Answer history
Other NYT Crossword Clues Using ATE
We have not seen many previous NYT clues for this answer yet.
View all ATE clues Position 81D
Answer length 3
Puzzle type Daily
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History
Clue History
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