Enhancing "blemish" (3x)

Latest answer — August 26, 2026

17 Across

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Clue explained

A BEAUTY MARK is a mole or other facial blemish described in flattering terms; “beauty” enhances or softens the idea of a “mark.” The parenthetical marks the puzzle’s playful repeated-letter-style phrasing.

Clue type:
Pun or wordplay
A close-up portrait showing a beauty mark on the face

NYT Crossword

This clue's Wednesday, August 26, 2026 appearance

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Or reveal one clue at a time with the Hint and Answer buttons below.

Across

  1. 1Modern lead-in to quit or bait
  2. 5Heat source for many hydrothermal vents
  3. 10Act all teenagerly, say
  4. 14[I have something to say ...]
  5. 15He has the weight of the world on his shoulders
  6. 16River by the Royal Shakespeare Theatre
  7. 17Enhancing "blemish" (3x)
  8. 19Rip apart
  9. 20Something to belly up to
  10. 21Tennis's "King of Clay," familiarly
  11. 22Cautious
  12. 23"My guess is ..."
  13. 25Teach, playfully (3x)
  14. 29Pinocchio's tell
  15. 31South American capital where Simón Bolívar was born
  16. 32___ Wowie (cocktail with a rhyming name)
  17. 33PC key
  18. 34Wait for it!
  19. 35Sweet popcorn coating (4x)
  20. 39Sci-fi pilot ___ Solo
  21. 40Call, as a poker bet
  22. 41Roman author of "Metamorphoses"
  23. 42Fred Flintstone's boss at the rock quarry
  24. 45Tech review site
  25. 46Nut in Sausalito cookies (3x)
  26. 48Bundles in a stationery shop
  27. 52Pointed remarks
  28. 53"Famous" cookie entrepreneur
  29. 55Church fixture
  30. 56Black mark on a credit report, in brief
  31. 57"Unbelievable!" ... or what 17-, 25-, 35- and 46-Across are made from, letter-wise?
  32. 60Never Have I ___ (party game)
  33. 61April's ___ Day
  34. 62Bug on a pug
  35. 63Alien incubators in "Invasion of the Body Snatchers"
  36. 64Acrimonious, as a breakup
  37. 65Units of verse

Down

  1. 1Torah scholar
  2. 2Bridge Out ___ (sign)
  3. 3They have teeth but don't bite
  4. 4Ground-dwelling bird in a eucalyptus forest
  5. 5Chichén Itzá builders
  6. 6Taking charge?
  7. 7Happy-sounding advocacy grp.
  8. 8Scuff up, say
  9. 9Set, as a price
  10. 10Instrument associated with beans and salsa?
  11. 11Was a ham
  12. 12Scrunchied hairstyle
  13. 13"The ___" (final track listed on the original "Abbey Road")
  14. 18Audition
  15. 22Word that can precede cry or baby
  16. 24Picky, picky, picky
  17. 26Sch. attended by Steve Martin, James Dean and Jack Black (none of whom stayed to graduate)
  18. 27Housemother
  19. 28What cards with circles, stars, pluses, squares and wavy lines test for, in brief
  20. 30Day break?
  21. 32Got it all off his chest?
  22. 33Disc golf "hole"-in-one
  23. 35Capital city known as the "Jerusalem of the Balkans"
  24. 36Consider
  25. 37Disinclined
  26. 38Small bug with a strong-sounding name
  27. 39"Well, let me think"
  28. 43Herculean tasks
  29. 44Almost a quarter of the Super Bowl's run time
  30. 45Sometimes-uncredited appearances
  31. 47da-DUM, da-DUM, da-DUM, da-DUM, for example
  32. 49Gift from a teacher's pet
  33. 50Free-for-all
  34. 51Result of a hot pursuit?
  35. 54Grand Ole ___
  36. 56One leg press, say
  37. 57Uncle ___
  38. 58Minecraft resource
  39. 59Command to a jumpy dog

Crossword clues, hints, and answers

Across

  1. 1. Modern lead-in to quit or bait — Answer: RAGE. Hint: A fiery prefix can turn both quitting and baiting into something furious 🔥
  2. 5. Heat source for many hydrothermal vents — Answer: MAGMA. Hint: Deep underground heat gives these ocean-floor vents their power 🌋
  3. 10. Act all teenagerly, say — Answer: MOPE. Hint: A stereotypical teen might spend the day sulking and doing this 😒
  4. 14. [I have something to say ...] — Answer: AHEM. Hint: This little throat-clearing sound politely announces an interruption 🤭
  5. 15. He has the weight of the world on his shoulders — Answer: ATLAS. Hint: Greek mythology’s mighty titan is famously shown carrying the heavens 🌍
  6. 16. River by the Royal Shakespeare Theatre — Answer: AVON. Hint: This English river flows through Stratford, home of Shakespeare’s theatre 🌊
  7. 17. Enhancing "blemish" (3x) — Answer: BEAUTYMARK. Hint: This decorative facial spot is a classic feature in old-fashioned glamour ✨
  8. 19. Rip apart — Answer: REND. Hint: To tear something forcefully is to do this. 💥
  9. 20. Something to belly up to — Answer: BAR. Hint: It’s where you belly up when ordering a drink 🍻
  10. 21. Tennis's "King of Clay," familiarly — Answer: RAFA. Hint: The clay-court tennis legend from Spain is often known by this friendly nickname 🎾
  11. 22. Cautious — Answer: WARY. Hint: Stay alert and guarded when something feels suspicious 👀
  12. 23. "My guess is ..." — Answer: IDSAY. Hint: Use this conversational phrase before offering an opinion or estimate 💬
  13. 25. Teach, playfully (3x) — Answer: EDUMACATE. Hint: This joking verb means to teach, with extra silliness built in 😄
  14. 29. Pinocchio's tell — Answer: NOSE. Hint: The wooden boy’s growing feature gives away his dishonesty 🤥
  15. 31. South American capital where Simón Bolívar was born — Answer: CARACAS. Hint: This Venezuelan capital was the birthplace of the independence leader Bolívar 🗺️
  16. 32. ___ Wowie (cocktail with a rhyming name) — Answer: MAUI. Hint: Complete the cocktail name that rhymes with the island famous for beaches and volcanoes 🍹
  17. 33. PC key — Answer: ALT. Hint: A handy keyboard shortcut partner that’s often used with others for special commands ⌨️
  18. 34. Wait for it! — Answer: TIP. Hint: The phrase signals that a reveal or punchline is just coming 🎭
  19. 35. Sweet popcorn coating (4x) — Answer: SALTEDCARAMEL. Hint: This sweet-and-savory topping balances sugar with a sprinkle of salt 🍿
  20. 39. Sci-fi pilot ___ Solo — Answer: HAN. Hint: The swaggering smuggler who pilots the Millennium Falcon has this first name 🚀
  21. 40. Call, as a poker bet — Answer: SEE. Hint: In poker, matching the current wager is to do this 🃏
  22. 41. Roman author of "Metamorphoses" — Answer: OVID. Hint: This Roman poet turned countless myths into a sweeping tale of transformations 📜
  23. 42. Fred Flintstone's boss at the rock quarry — Answer: MRSLATE. Hint: Fred reports to the stern manager whose surname sounds like a type of rock. 🪨
  24. 45. Tech review site — Answer: CNET. Hint: This site is your go-to for the latest gadgets and tech news! 📱
  25. 46. Nut in Sausalito cookies (3x) — Answer: MACADAMIA. Hint: This creamy tropical nut is a favorite ingredient in gourmet cookies. 🍪
  26. 48. Bundles in a stationery shop — Answer: REAMS. Hint: Paper is commonly sold in these standard bundles. 📄
  27. 52. Pointed remarks — Answer: JABS. Hint: These sharp comments can also describe quick pokes. 👉
  28. 53. "Famous" cookie entrepreneur — Answer: AMOS. Hint: His surname appears on a famous brand of bite-size chocolate-chip treats. 🍪
  29. 55. Church fixture — Answer: PEW. Hint: You might sit on this wooden seat during a service. ⛪
  30. 56. Black mark on a credit report, in brief — Answer: REPO. Hint: This abbreviation refers to property reclaimed after missed payments. 💳
  31. 57. "Unbelievable!" ... or what 17-, 25-, 35- and 46-Across are made from, letter-wise? — Answer: SOMEPEOPLE. Hint: The exclamation doubles as a phrase referring to certain folks. 🤯
  32. 60. Never Have I ___ (party game) — Answer: EVER. Hint: Complete the game's title with a word meaning at any time. 🎉
  33. 61. April's ___ Day — Answer: ARBOR. Hint: This spring observance celebrates trees and forests. 🌳
  34. 62. Bug on a pug — Answer: FLEA. Hint: This tiny parasite may hitch a ride on a dog. 🐶
  35. 63. Alien incubators in "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" — Answer: PODS. Hint: In the film, eerie plantlike containers grow human duplicates. 👽
  36. 64. Acrimonious, as a breakup — Answer: MESSY. Hint: A bitter split can be described as emotionally chaotic. 💔
  37. 65. Units of verse — Answer: FEET. Hint: Poetic rhythm is measured in these metrical units. 📜

Down

  1. 1. Torah scholar — Answer: RABBI. Hint: This Jewish teacher and spiritual leader studies and interprets scripture. ✡️
  2. 2. Bridge Out ___ (sign) — Answer: AHEAD. Hint: The warning tells drivers the obstruction is coming up. 🚧
  3. 3. They have teeth but don't bite — Answer: GEARS. Hint: These interlocking machine parts have teeth for transferring motion. ⚙️
  4. 4. Ground-dwelling bird in a eucalyptus forest — Answer: EMU. Hint: This large flightless Australian bird roams among gum trees. 🐦
  5. 5. Chichén Itzá builders — Answer: MAYA. Hint: This ancient Mesoamerican civilization built the famous pyramid complex. 🏛️
  6. 6. Taking charge? — Answer: ATMFEE. Hint: A surcharge from a cash machine is quite literally a way of taking charge. 🏧
  7. 7. Happy-sounding advocacy grp. — Answer: GLAAD. Hint: This LGBTQ+ rights organization has a name that sounds upbeat. 😊
  8. 8. Scuff up, say — Answer: MAR. Hint: Think of what a rough surface might do to a finish. 🪵
  9. 9. Set, as a price — Answer: ASK. Hint: A seller may do this before putting an item on the market. 🏷️
  10. 10. Instrument associated with beans and salsa? — Answer: MARACA. Hint: Picture a shaker suited to a lively Latin dance. 🪇
  11. 11. Was a ham — Answer: OVERACTED. Hint: This performer went far beyond subtle. 🎭
  12. 12. Scrunchied hairstyle — Answer: PONYTAIL. Hint: Hair gathered behind the head with a fabric tie fits here. 🎀
  13. 13. "The ___" (final track listed on the original "Abbey Road") — Answer: END. Hint: It’s the brief closing word after “Carry That Weight.” 🎵
  14. 18. Audition — Answer: TRYOUT. Hint: It’s a test performance for a role or team spot. 🎬
  15. 22. Word that can precede cry or baby — Answer: WAR. Hint: It pairs with both a distressed wail and an infant. 👶
  16. 24. Picky, picky, picky — Answer: ANAL. Hint: An overly fussy person may be described this way. 🤨
  17. 26. Sch. attended by Steve Martin, James Dean and Jack Black (none of whom stayed to graduate) — Answer: UCLA. Hint: Think of the prominent public university in Westwood. 🎓
  18. 27. Housemother — Answer: MATRON. Hint: An older woman overseeing residents in a dorm or institution fits this title. 🏠
  19. 28. What cards with circles, stars, pluses, squares and wavy lines test for, in brief — Answer: ESP. Hint: These cards are used in experiments about perception beyond the ordinary senses. 🔮
  20. 30. Day break? — Answer: SIESTA. Hint: It’s a midday pause, making the clue’s “break” a restful one. 😴
  21. 32. Got it all off his chest? — Answer: MANSCAPED. Hint: A humorous reading suggests he removed his chest hair. ✂️
  22. 33. Disc golf "hole"-in-one — Answer: ACE. Hint: In this sport, a perfect first throw earns the same golf-inspired honor. 🥏
  23. 35. Capital city known as the "Jerusalem of the Balkans" — Answer: SARAJEVO. Hint: Look to Bosnia and Herzegovina for this historic capital. 🏛️
  24. 36. Consider — Answer: DEEM. Hint: To regard something as worthy of a particular judgment is to do this. 🤔
  25. 37. Disinclined — Answer: AVERSE. Hint: If you are strongly opposed, you are this. 🙅
  26. 38. Small bug with a strong-sounding name — Answer: MITE. Hint: This tiny pest sounds like it could pack a punch. 🐜
  27. 39. "Well, let me think" — Answer: HMM. Hint: Use this thoughtful little utterance while searching for an idea. 🤔
  28. 43. Herculean tasks — Answer: LABORS. Hint: The legendary hero was famous for completing these monumental chores 🏛️
  29. 44. Almost a quarter of the Super Bowl's run time — Answer: ADS. Hint: Commercial breaks take up a surprisingly large slice of the broadcast 📺
  30. 45. Sometimes-uncredited appearances — Answer: CAMEOS. Hint: Familiar faces may pop in briefly without receiving full credit 👀
  31. 47. da-DUM, da-DUM, da-DUM, da-DUM, for example — Answer: IAMBS. Hint: These poetic feet pair an unstressed beat with a stressed one 🎵
  32. 49. Gift from a teacher's pet — Answer: APPLE. Hint: A teacher's favorite pupil might offer this classic red gift 🍎
  33. 50. Free-for-all — Answer: MELEE. Hint: Picture a chaotic close-quarters free-for-all ⚔️
  34. 51. Result of a hot pursuit? — Answer: SWEAT. Hint: A heated chase can leave you producing plenty of this 💦
  35. 54. Grand Ole ___ — Answer: OPRY. Hint: This famous Nashville venue is a country-music institution 🎶
  36. 56. One leg press, say — Answer: REP. Hint: A single repetition of an exercise counts as one of these 💪
  37. 57. Uncle ___ — Answer: SAM. Hint: This character is often seen as a personification of the U.S. government. 🇺🇸
  38. 58. Minecraft resource — Answer: ORE. Hint: Look underground in the block-building game for this mined material ⛏️
  39. 59. Command to a jumpy dog — Answer: OFF. Hint: Use this command when a bouncy pup will not settle down 🐶

The answer to “Enhancing "blemish" (3x)” in the New York Times crossword is BEAUTYMARK — a 10-letter word. It most recently appeared in the New York Times crossword on August 26, 2026, a Wednesday puzzle, at 17-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.

“Enhancing "blemish" (3x)” answer

BEAUTYMARK (10 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 BEAUTYMARK.

When else has “Enhancing "blemish" (3x)” 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.

August 26, 2026 (most recent) → BEAUTYMARK. We haven't indexed another appearance of this exact clue yet.

Frequently asked questions

What is the answer to “Enhancing "blemish" (3x)”?

The answer is BEAUTYMARK, a 10-letter word. It most recently appeared in the New York Times crossword on August 26, 2026.

How many letters is the answer to “Enhancing "blemish" (3x)”?

10 letters: BEAUTYMARK.

When did this clue appear?

Most recently in the New York Times crossword on August 26, 2026 (a Wednesday puzzle), at 17-Across.

Can “Enhancing "blemish" (3x)” 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 August 26, 2026 is on the NYT Crossword answers page, with every clue and answer from that puzzle.

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