NYT Crossword

First in a race? NYT Crossword Clue

43D | 4 letters

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Answer

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ADAM

Explanation

Why This Answer Fits

ADAM is the 4-letter answer for the clue "First in a race?". 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 43D, so the crossing entries help verify the exact spelling.

  • Grid entry: ADAM in the grid.
  • Answer pattern: _ _ _ _.
  • Clue type: Wordplay.
  • ADAM has 4 letters, matching the required slot for 43D.

Answer history

Other NYT Crossword Clues Using ADAM

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

View all ADAM clues

Hint

The question mark is a signal to read the clue indirectly. Try a playful answer that fits the 4-letter slot rather than only a plain synonym.

How to solve it

Read the clue type first

For the clue "First in a race?", 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 4-letter slot rather than only a plain synonym.
  • The answer slot has 4 letters, which narrows the clue to a specific grid shape.
  • This clue appears at 43D in the NYT Crossword, so check the Across crossings for confirmation.
Position 43D
Answer length 4
Puzzle type Daily
View full puzzle answers

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History

Clue History

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