XL NYT Crossword Clue: What It Means and How to Solve It

by

Crossword puzzles are a great way to challenge the brain. The New York Times (NYT) crossword is among the most popular and respected puzzles. If you are a crossword fan, you may have come across the clue “XL.” Depending on the puzzle’s theme and difficulty level, this small clue can have different meanings.

What Does “XL” Mean in a Crossword?

“XL” is a Roman numeral. It represents the number 40. But in crosswords, it can also have other meanings. Sometimes, it refers to something significant since “XL” is also short for “extra-large.”

Common Answers for “XL”

If you are solving an NYT crossword and see “XL,” here are some possible answers:

  • EXCEL – This means doing well in something that sounds like “XL” when spoken aloud.
  • FORTY – The Roman numeral “XL” translates to forty in English.
  • LARGE – “XL” is used to describe extra-large clothing sizes.
  • BIG – Similar to “LARGE,” this could be a simple answer related to size.

History of the NYT Crossword Puzzle

The New York Times published its first crossword puzzle in 1942. Since then, it has become the gold standard for crossword lovers. The puzzles start easy on Mondays and get more challenging throughout the week. The Saturday crossword is usually the toughest, while Sunday puzzles are larger and themed.

Tips for Solving Crossword Puzzles

If you get stuck on a clue like “XL,” here are some strategies:

  1. Think About Different Meanings – Consider Roman numerals, clothing sizes, or even words that sound like “XL.”
  2. Check the Crossing Words – Look at the words that intersect. They can give hints about missing letters.
  3. Look for Wordplay – NYT crossword clues often use wordplay or puns. “XL” might hint at a word that sounds like the letters “X” and “L” combined.
  4. Use a Crossword Dictionary – A crossword dictionary or solver tool can help if all else fails.

Fun Facts About Crosswords

  • The longest crossword puzzle ever made had over 90,000 clues!
  • The newspaper initially rejected the NYT crossword. They later changed their minds, and it became a hit.
  • Famous people like Bill Clinton and Jon Stewart have contributed to NYT crosswords.

Leave a Comment