Cutesy suffix with "best"

Editorially verified for the Aug 11, 2026

9 Across

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A simple word-building diagram showing BEST plus EST becoming BESTEST

Clue explained

Adding the suffix -EST to BEST produces the playful, nonstandard word “bestest.” The clue calls the suffix cutesy because “bestest” is an exaggerated informal form rather than standard English.

Clue type:
Pun or wordplay

NYT Mini Crossword

This clue's Tuesday, August 11, 2026 appearance

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Across

  1. 1"Magic" items for Jack, in a classic fairy tale
  2. 6What the "A" stands for in A/V
  3. 7Political ally who receives corrupt benefits
  4. 8"Uh-uh"
  5. 9Cutesy suffix with "best"

Down

  1. 1Portmanteau for a skin problem under a T-shirt or bra strap
  2. 2Continental currency units
  3. 3"___, don't shop" (pet shelter slogan)
  4. 4Highest number in sudoku
  5. 5Veggie burger ingredient

The answer to “Cutesy suffix with "best"” in the New York Times Mini crossword is EST — a 3-letter word. It most recently appeared in the New York Times Mini crossword on August 11, 2026 at 9-Across. Below you'll find why that fill fits, every other answer we've recorded for this clue, and links into the puzzle it came from.

“Cutesy suffix with "best"” answer

EST (3 letters)

Use the reveal tiles above to uncover the solution one letter at a time if you'd rather nudge yourself toward it than see the whole word at once. Prefer the full answer straight away? It's EST.

What does EST mean?

Reading the plain dictionary sense of EST is often the fastest way to see why it answers this clue.

(noun)

  • a system for self-improvement aimed at developing a person's potential through intensive group awareness and training sessions

When else has “Cutesy suffix with "best"” appeared?

New York Times Mini reuses clues across dates, sometimes with a different answer depending on the grid. Here's where this exact clue has shown up, and what the answer was each time — handy when you're checking whether today's fill is the only one.

August 11, 2026 (most recent) → EST. We haven't indexed another appearance of this exact clue yet.

Frequently asked questions

What is the answer to “Cutesy suffix with "best"”?

The answer is EST, a 3-letter word. It most recently appeared in the New York Times Mini crossword on August 11, 2026.

How many letters is the answer to “Cutesy suffix with "best"”?

3 letters: EST.

When did this clue appear?

Most recently in the New York Times Mini crossword on August 11, 2026, at 9-Across.

Can “Cutesy suffix with "best"” have a different answer?

Yes — New York Times Mini sometimes reuses a clue with a different solution to fit the grid. The answers we've recorded for each date it appeared are listed above when available.

Where can I find the rest of today's NYT Mini answers?

Every clue and answer from that day's puzzle is linked above, and the full grid is on the NYT Mini answers page.

New York Times Mini Crossword is published by The New York Times; WordHint is an independent site and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the publisher.

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