Big bang source
Editorially verified for the Oct 18, 2026
74 Down
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Clue explainedFact checked
Here, “big bang” means a loud explosion, not the origin of the universe: a detonator is the device that triggers an explosive charge. It can set off the main charge through a controlled signal, such as an electrical impulse. In that sense, it’s the immediate source of the bang, though the explosive itself supplies the force.
- Clue type:
- Definition
NYT Crossword
This clue's Sunday, October 18, 2026 appearance
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The answer to “Big bang source” in the New York Times crossword is DETONATOR — a 9-letter word. It most recently appeared in the New York Times crossword on October 18, 2026, a Sunday puzzle, at 74-Down. 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.
“Big bang source” answer
DETONATOR (9 letters)
Reveal the solution one letter at a time with the tiles above if you'd rather nudge yourself toward it than see the whole word at once. Just want it outright? The answer is DETONATOR.
What does DETONATOR mean?
Reading the plain dictionary sense of DETONATOR is often the fastest way to see why it answers this clue.
(noun)
- a device or small sensitive charge used to detonate an explosive
When else has “Big bang source” appeared?
New York Times 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.
October 18, 2026 (most recent) → DETONATOR. We haven't indexed another appearance of this exact clue yet.
Frequently asked questions
What is the answer to “Big bang source”?
The answer is DETONATOR, a 9-letter word. It most recently appeared in the New York Times crossword on October 18, 2026.
How many letters is the answer to “Big bang source”?
9 letters: DETONATOR.
When did this clue appear?
Most recently in the New York Times crossword on October 18, 2026 (a Sunday puzzle), at 74-Down.
Can “Big bang source” have a different answer?
Yes — New York Times 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 this day's NYT Crossword answers?
The full grid for October 18, 2026 is on the NYT Crossword answers page, with every clue and answer from that puzzle.
New York Times 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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