Clever Clue of the Month

September 2026
Clue: Ones who have trouble finishing sentences?...ESCAPEES
Constructor: Jeff Stillman; Editor: Will Shortz
NYT, Thursday, September 24, 2026

Clever Clue Nominees

Please vote for the best clue from September. The Clever Clue of the Month will be announced in a few days.

Rolled out unannounced?....................TPED
Appetite suppressant?......................SNACK
People you might have chemistry with?......CLASSMATES
French or Italian destination?.............SALADBAR
Where split decisions are made.............ICECREAMPARLORS
Ones who have trouble finishing sentences?..ESCAPEES

Clever Clue of the Month

August 2026
Clue: One who tries not to overshadow the star?....MAKEUPARTIST
Constructors: Barbara Lin & Jess Rucks; Editor: Patti Varol
LAT, Saturday, August 15, 2026

Clever Clue Nominees

Please vote for the best clue from August. The Clever Clue of the Month will be announced in a few days.

Dead zones?................................TOMBS
Science fiction channel?...................WORMHOLE
It isn't not a feature of this clue........DOUBLENEGATIVE
People hold complicated positions on it....TWISTERMAT
One who tries not to overshadow the star?..MAKEUPARTIST
They might raise your kids.................BOOSTERSEATS

Clever Clue of the Month

July 2026
Clue: Slice of Life or nick of Time?................PAPERCUT
Constructors: Gus Bloxham & Bharati Hemaddy
Editor: Will Shortz
NYT, Tuesday, July 14, 2026 

Clever Clue Nominees

Please vote for the best clue from July. The Clever Clue of the Month will be announced in a few days.

Crash specialist...........................TECH
Takes a hand in Vegas, perhaps.............ELOPES
Delights?..................................DIMS
Org. for successful female club owners?....LPGA
Slice of Life or nick of Time?.............PAPERCUT
Card on which age is literally just a
number.....................................FAKEID

 

Clever Clue of the Month

June 2026
Clue: Streaming device................FIREHOSE
Constructor: David P. Williams; Editor: Stanley Newman
Newsday, Saturday, June 27, 2026