Wordplay
Wordplay Notes
For a blank clue, the missing entry should make the full phrase sound natural, not merely match a dictionary definition.
NYT Crossword
___TER NYT Crossword Clue
Use the hint first, then reveal the answer only if you need it.
Hint
Read the phrase aloud and look for a 13-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 13 letters answer fits both the clue wording and the grid position.
- The blank is doing most of the work here. Look for a 13-letter entry that completes the phrase naturally.
- At 13 letters, this is a longer entry; look for phrase structure as well as a direct definition.
- For a blank clue, the missing entry should make the full phrase sound natural, not merely match a dictionary definition.
- Long entries often include phrase structure, so check word breaks mentally even if the grid removes spaces.
- This clue appears at 27A in the NYT Crossword, so check the Down crossings for confirmation.
Reveal Answer Hide Answer
WINLESSSEASON
Explanation
Why This Answer Fits
WINLESSSEASON is the 13-letter answer for "___TER" 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 27A.
- Grid entry: WINLESSSEASON in the grid.
- Answer pattern: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.
- Clue type: Fill-in-the-blank.
- This is Across at 27A, so use the Down crossings to confirm WINLESSSEASON.
- WINLESSSEASON has 13 letters, matching the required slot for 27A.
Answer history
Other NYT Crossword Clues Using WINLESSSEASON
We have not seen many previous NYT clues for this answer yet.
View all WINLESSSEASON clues Position 27A
Answer length 13
Puzzle type Daily
Solver context
Extra Notes for This Clue
Trap
Common Trap
Long entries often include phrase structure, so check word breaks mentally even if the grid removes spaces.
Crossings
Crossing Notes
This is Across at 27A, so use the Down crossings to confirm WINLESSSEASON.
Editor note
Editorial Note
Classify this as a fill-in-the-blank and verify that the 13 letters answer fits both the clue wording and the grid position.
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History
Clue History
May 7, 2026 Daily / 27A / 13 letters
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