[C/P]ause

NYT Crossword Clue

Crossword Answer

Hint

It's the moment that can define success or failure! 🎯

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Wednesday, July 08, 2026

By Mason Hyunjin Lee

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

NYT Crossword Clues

Across

  1. 1Cartographers' concerns
  2. 5Go by
  3. 11Helpful skill for guessers
  4. 14Working obediently
  5. 15Mickey with an Oscar nomination for "The Wrestler"
  6. 16Champiñones ___ plancha (Spanish dish)
  7. 17[C/P]ause
  8. 19Droop
  9. 20Food mentioned in the Lord's Prayer
  10. 21What "Eat" stands for in the mnemonic "Never Eat Soggy Waffles"
  11. 22Buzz before a release
  12. 23Low-quality synthetic images, informally
  13. 25Prepare to drive, in golf
  14. 27[L/C]ure
  15. 32Result of touching poison ivy
  16. 35"The Deer Hunter" setting, in brief
  17. 36Old, as a joke
  18. 37Casual refusal
  19. 38"Way to go, kid!"
  20. 41Heir to the throne, maybe
  21. 42Like a good explanation, say
  22. 44Brain ___
  23. 45Prominent features of tarsiers
  24. 46[M/H]inds
  25. 50Fitness fad popularized by Billy Blanks
  26. 51"Animal Farm" or "The Simpsons"
  27. 55Soccer great Mia
  28. 57Apartment with a high ceiling
  29. 60New beginning
  30. 61Pub order
  31. 62[Z/R]est
  32. 64Magic setting, in brief
  33. 65List of things to discuss
  34. 66Mother of a stable family?
  35. 67___ pal
  36. 68Individual
  37. 69Hershey toffee bar

Down

  1. 1Black ___, nickname for Kobe Bryant
  2. 2Company that created Pong
  3. 3Fish, roads or weapons that are long and thin
  4. 4Sneakiness
  5. 5Goof
  6. 6Brain or ear part
  7. 7Coolness, of a sort
  8. 8Magician's cry
  9. 9Many a Winter Olympian
  10. 10"Holy moley!"
  11. 11"No sweat!"
  12. 12___ on the wrist
  13. 13Word with home or half
  14. 18What cologne may mask
  15. 22Injured
  16. 24Pub order
  17. 26Site for "unique and creative" items
  18. 28"Sleep is like a ___: It only comes to you if you ignore it": Gillian Flynn
  19. 29Big box store that merged with Sears in 2005
  20. 30Sunburn remedy
  21. 31X's, sometimes
  22. 32Ruler division
  23. 33Tall story
  24. 34Weekly reward for a strict dieter, maybe
  25. 38Keister, in Leicester
  26. 39Feathered accessory that won't constrict you
  27. 40Singer Redding
  28. 43First in a race?
  29. 45Regards highly
  30. 47Do a favor
  31. 48Worker overhead
  32. 49Cooking fat
  33. 52Chris with the 1991 hit "Wicked Game"
  34. 53Cool again, maybe
  35. 54Heavens
  36. 55Rest like a bat
  37. 56Jessica of "Fantastic Four"
  38. 58Marshy areas
  39. 59Task on a list
  40. 62Greatly surpass, as competitors in a race
  41. 63Raced

Crossword clues, hints, and answers

Across

  1. 1. Cartographers' concerns — Answer: MAPS. Hint: These are essential tools for navigation and exploration! 🗺️
  2. 5. Go by — Answer: ELAPSE. Hint: Time can often quietly pass without you noticing it! ⏳
  3. 11. Helpful skill for guessers — Answer: ESP. Hint: Think beyond the ordinary senses when trying to read someone's mind! 🔮
  4. 14. Working obediently — Answer: ATIT. Hint: Think about someone who diligently follows orders without question! 😊
  5. 15. Mickey with an Oscar nomination for "The Wrestler" — Answer: ROURKE. Hint: This actor shares a name with a famous piece of sport, but he's not just in the ring! 🥊
  6. 16. Champiñones ___ plancha (Spanish dish) — Answer: ALA. Hint: This dish features mushrooms grilled to perfection, often enjoyed in tapas! 🍽️
  7. 17. [C/P]ause — Answer: MAKEORBREAK. Hint: It's the moment that can define success or failure! 🎯
  8. 19. Droop — Answer: SAG. Hint: Think of how your spirits might do when you're feeling down! 😌
  9. 20. Food mentioned in the Lord's Prayer — Answer: BREAD. Hint: This staple can be found on many dinner tables and is often broken at meals. 🍞
  10. 21. What "Eat" stands for in the mnemonic "Never Eat Soggy Waffles" — Answer: EAST. Hint: Think about the direction that comes after north and west in our favorite food mnemonic! 🧇
  11. 22. Buzz before a release — Answer: HYPE. Hint: Get ready for the excitement before the big reveal! 🎉
  12. 23. Low-quality synthetic images, informally — Answer: AISLOP. Hint: These digital creations might not meet your expectations! 🎨
  13. 25. Prepare to drive, in golf — Answer: TEEUP. Hint: It's time to set the stage for your perfect shot! ⛳
  14. 27. [L/C]ure — Answer: TRICKORTREAT. Hint: It's a playful phrase that children use on Halloween to ask for goodies! 🎃
  15. 32. Result of touching poison ivy — Answer: ITCH. Hint: A bothersome sensation that makes you want to scratch! 🌿
  16. 35. "The Deer Hunter" setting, in brief — Answer: NAM. Hint: Think of the region associated with a significant conflict during the 20th century. 🌍
  17. 36. Old, as a joke — Answer: STALE. Hint: When humor loses its freshness, it might just be a bit too old! 😂
  18. 37. Casual refusal — Answer: NAH. Hint: A laid-back way to say no might just be a simple sound. 😄
  19. 38. "Way to go, kid!" — Answer: ATTABOY. Hint: A cheer for a job well done, especially for the young achiever! 🎉
  20. 41. Heir to the throne, maybe — Answer: SON. Hint: Think of a royal figure who might carry on the family name! 👑
  21. 42. Like a good explanation, say — Answer: CLEAR. Hint: Something that's easy to see through often makes things easier to understand! 🔍
  22. 44. Brain ___ — Answer: ROT. Hint: This phrase often refers to a state of mind, where things can get a bit fuzzy! 🧠
  23. 45. Prominent features of tarsiers — Answer: EYES. Hint: These creatures are known for their large peepers that help them see in the dark! 👀
  24. 46. [M/H]inds — Answer: HEADSORTAILS. Hint: Think of a playful way to decide who goes first in a game! 🎲
  25. 50. Fitness fad popularized by Billy Blanks — Answer: TAEBO. Hint: Get ready to kick and punch your way to fitness! 🥋
  26. 51. "Animal Farm" or "The Simpsons" — Answer: SATIRE. Hint: Think of a clever way to poke fun at society! 😄
  27. 55. Soccer great Mia — Answer: HAMM. Hint: Think of a legendary player who scored major goals and shares a name with a popular breakfast item! ⚽
  28. 57. Apartment with a high ceiling — Answer: LOFT. Hint: Think of a trendy living space that might also double as an art studio! 🖼️
  29. 60. New beginning — Answer: RESET. Hint: Sometimes you need to wipe the slate clean and start fresh! 🔄
  30. 61. Pub order — Answer: ALE. Hint: This frothy beverage is a classic choice for many at the bar! 🍻
  31. 62. [Z/R]est — Answer: LIFEORDEATH. Hint: Consider the ultimate question that can change everything! ⚖️
  32. 64. Magic setting, in brief — Answer: NBA. Hint: Think of a thrilling arena where some amazing talents showcase their skills! 🏀
  33. 65. List of things to discuss — Answer: AGENDA. Hint: It's the plan you want to follow for a productive meeting! 📝
  34. 66. Mother of a stable family? — Answer: MARE. Hint: This female horse might just be the key to your clue! 🐴
  35. 67. ___ pal — Answer: GAL. Hint: Think of a word often used to refer to a female friend! 👩‍❤️‍👩
  36. 68. Individual — Answer: PERSON. Hint: Think of someone unique in your life! 😊
  37. 69. Hershey toffee bar — Answer: SKOR. Hint: This candy bar is known for its crisp toffee flavor, perfect for a sweet crunch! 🍬

Down

  1. 1. Black ___, nickname for Kobe Bryant — Answer: MAMBA. Hint: This reptile shares a name with a famous basketball legend! 🐍
  2. 2. Company that created Pong — Answer: ATARI. Hint: This gaming pioneer also had a hand in shaping the arcade era! 🎮
  3. 3. Fish, roads or weapons that are long and thin — Answer: PIKES. Hint: Think of a sharp point that can refer to different types of things, from dinner to combat! 🐟
  4. 4. Sneakiness — Answer: STEALTH. Hint: Think of how someone might move quietly to avoid detection! 🤫
  5. 5. Goof — Answer: ERR. Hint: Sometimes, we all make a little mistake! 😅
  6. 6. Brain or ear part — Answer: LOBE. Hint: This part is often associated with your thoughts or what you hear! 🧠
  7. 7. Coolness, of a sort — Answer: AURA. Hint: Think of that special vibe someone gives off that makes them stand out! ✨
  8. 8. Magician's cry — Answer: PRESTO. Hint: When you want to impress with a quick transformation, what phrase do you shout? 🎩
  9. 9. Many a Winter Olympian — Answer: SKATER. Hint: Think of athletes gliding gracefully on the ice! ⛸️
  10. 10. "Holy moley!" — Answer: EEK. Hint: When something surprises you, this sound might escape your lips! 😲
  11. 11. "No sweat!" — Answer: EASYPEASY. Hint: This phrase describes something that’s a piece of cake! 🍰
  12. 12. ___ on the wrist — Answer: SLAP. Hint: Sometimes it's just a playful reminder to be more careful! 😉
  13. 13. Word with home or half — Answer: PAGE. Hint: Think of what you might turn to in a book to find your place or start a chapter! 📖
  14. 18. What cologne may mask — Answer: ODOR. Hint: Sometimes you need a little something to cover up less pleasant scents. 🌸
  15. 22. Injured — Answer: HURT. Hint: When something causes you pain, you might say you're feeling this way! 🩹
  16. 24. Pub order — Answer: PINT. Hint: What you raise for a toast at the bar! 🍻
  17. 26. Site for "unique and creative" items — Answer: ETSY. Hint: This online marketplace is a treasure trove for handmade and vintage goods! 🛍️
  18. 28. "Sleep is like a ___: It only comes to you if you ignore it": Gillian Flynn — Answer: CAT. Hint: Sometimes elusive and often requires a relaxed approach to catch it! 🐱
  19. 29. Big box store that merged with Sears in 2005 — Answer: KMART. Hint: Think of a store where you can find everything from groceries to toys, once famous for its blue light specials! 🛒
  20. 30. Sunburn remedy — Answer: ALOE. Hint: This succulent is often used to soothe your skin after a day in the sun! 🌞
  21. 31. X's, sometimes — Answer: TENS. Hint: Think about a score that often comes in multiples! 🎯
  22. 32. Ruler division — Answer: INCH. Hint: Think of a small unit of measurement often used in crafting and design! 📏
  23. 33. Tall story — Answer: TALE. Hint: Think of a narrative that might reach great heights! 📖
  24. 34. Weekly reward for a strict dieter, maybe — Answer: CHEATMEAL. Hint: Sometimes a little indulgence is just what the diet doctor ordered! 🍽️
  25. 38. Keister, in Leicester — Answer: ARSE. Hint: In British slang, it's a cheeky term for your backside! 🍑
  26. 39. Feathered accessory that won't constrict you — Answer: BOA. Hint: This stylish accessory is often associated with glamorous outfits and can be quite fluffy! 🦩
  27. 40. Singer Redding — Answer: OTIS. Hint: This soul legend brought us unforgettable hits from the 1960s! 🎶
  28. 43. First in a race? — Answer: ADAM. Hint: Consider the name that could represent the very first human in a biblical context! 👶
  29. 45. Regards highly — Answer: ESTEEMS. Hint: Think of how you might feel about someone you truly admire! 🌟
  30. 47. Do a favor — Answer: OBLIGE. Hint: When you help someone out, you might be showing them your good will! 🤝
  31. 48. Worker overhead — Answer: ROOFER. Hint: Look up to find someone who ensures your shelter from above! 🏠
  32. 49. Cooking fat — Answer: LARD. Hint: This ingredient adds richness to your favorite recipes! 🥘
  33. 52. Chris with the 1991 hit "Wicked Game" — Answer: ISAAK. Hint: This singer-songwriter shares a name with a biblical figure famous for his sacrifices. 🎤
  34. 53. Cool again, maybe — Answer: RETRO. Hint: Take a trip back in time to find a style that's making a comeback! 🕶️
  35. 54. Heavens — Answer: ETHER. Hint: Think of the upper regions of the sky or atmosphere! ☁️
  36. 55. Rest like a bat — Answer: HANG. Hint: What do you do when you want to take a break and chill out, just like a creature of the night? 🦇
  37. 56. Jessica of "Fantastic Four" — Answer: ALBA. Hint: This actress shares a last name with a famous fruit, and she's known for her superhero role! 🍏
  38. 58. Marshy areas — Answer: FENS. Hint: Think of those wet, grassy spots where nature thrives! 🌿
  39. 59. Task on a list — Answer: TODO. Hint: It's something you check off when it's done! 📝
  40. 62. Greatly surpass, as competitors in a race — Answer: LAP. Hint: Think about a speedy lead in a friendly competition! 🏁
  41. 63. Raced — Answer: RAN. Hint: This action might remind you of a quick getaway! 🏃

The answer to “[C/P]ause” in the New York Times crossword is MAKEORBREAK — a 11-letter word. This clue ran in the New York Times crossword on July 8, 2026, a Wednesday puzzle, at 17-Across. If it's the entry standing between you and a clean grid, that's the word you need — and below you'll find why it fits, plus links to the day's other clues if more than one square is giving you trouble.

“[C/P]ause” answer

MAKEORBREAK (11 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 MAKEORBREAK.

Why the answer is MAKEORBREAK

It's the moment that can define success or failure! 🎯

When else has “[C/P]ause” appeared?

The 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 before, and what the answer was each time — handy if you landed here from a puzzle on another date.

July 8, 2026 (this puzzle) → MAKEORBREAK. We haven't indexed an earlier appearance of this exact clue yet.

More clues from the NYT crossword on July 8, 2026

Stuck elsewhere in the grid? Here are some of the crossing and nearby clues from the same puzzle — tap any for its answer and explanation.

Want every clue in one place? The full New York Times answer list for July 8, 2026 is on that day's grid page, and today's live NYT answers are always one tap from the today page.

About the NYT crossword

The New York Times crossword, edited by Will Shortz, is the most famous daily puzzle in the United States. It runs a 15×15 grid Monday through Saturday and a larger 21×21 grid on Sunday, and its difficulty deliberately ramps through the week: Monday is the most approachable, Saturday the toughest, with Thursday often reserved for a trick or twist like rebus squares. This page covers a Wednesday puzzle. A straight-definition entry is the kind of solid mid-grid answer that anchors the trickier crossings around it. Because the NYT reuses short, crossing-friendly words regularly, seeing them once makes them easier to spot next time.

Frequently asked questions

What is the answer to “[C/P]ause”?

The answer is MAKEORBREAK, a 11-letter word. It appeared in the New York Times crossword on July 8, 2026.

How many letters is the answer to “[C/P]ause”?

11 letters: MAKEORBREAK.

Where did this clue appear?

In the New York Times crossword on July 8, 2026 (a Wednesday puzzle), at 17-Across.

Can “[C/P]ause” have a different answer?

Yes — the 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 answers?

The full grid for July 8, 2026 is on the NYT answers page, with every clue and answer from that puzzle.

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