Battling

NYT Crossword Clue

Crossword Answer

Hint

Think about a situation where conflict and competition are at play! ⚔️

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Thursday, July 09, 2026

By Brad Wiegmann and Nat Wiegmann

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

NYT Crossword Clues

Across

  1. 1In vogue
  2. 5Seal hunter
  3. 9Some rudiments to be learned
  4. 13Flex time?
  5. 14Stern
  6. 15Container for peaches
  7. 17*Honeybunch
  8. 19Group of spellers?
  9. 20Title in "Beowulf"
  10. 21Back-to-basics regimen
  11. 23Grp. of peacekeepers
  12. 25*Afternoon socials
  13. 26Caddies, in golf slang
  14. 29Part of a blind
  15. 30Partner of ends
  16. 31Some messages from a road trip, in brief
  17. 33Scare off
  18. 37Many a golden parachute recipient, in brief
  19. 38Renounced ... or a phonetic hint to reading the answers to the starred clues
  20. 40Sanskrit name meaning "extraordinary"
  21. 41Capital close to the confluence of the Red and Black rivers
  22. 43Gaels of the N.C.A.A.
  23. 44Battling
  24. 45Piece of cake
  25. 47Food processor
  26. 49*Worms or flies, often
  27. 53Do some laps
  28. 54Right now
  29. 56___ Hamilton, author of the classic "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes"
  30. 59Sass
  31. 60*___ Beach, Calif.
  32. 62Hit 1977 musical that included Franklin D. Roosevelt as a character
  33. 63Juniors, e.g.
  34. 64Trails
  35. 65"Yikes!"
  36. 66Rowers' workout machines, informally
  37. 67Straddling

Down

  1. 1Anatomical pouch
  2. 2"Star Wars" planet where Luke Skywalker rides a tauntaun
  3. 3Dinosaur named for a lizard tooth
  4. 4Quick timeouts?
  5. 5AAA or B.B.B.
  6. 6Bring in
  7. 7200 milligrams
  8. 8Sketchy activities?
  9. 9Kudo
  10. 10Guys' night out
  11. 11Trivial objection
  12. 12Symbol of strength and solidity
  13. 16Tonsillectomy docs
  14. 18French crown?
  15. 22Wing
  16. 24Hydrox lookalike
  17. 26Lomond, for one
  18. 27Old theaters
  19. 28Show that ends in disarray?
  20. 32Long time follower?
  21. 34Dojo furnishing
  22. 35It's a long story
  23. 36One of the six sluggers on baseball's Murderer's Row
  24. 38Spent
  25. 39"Curly W" team
  26. 42Caucasus region
  27. 44Padmé ___ (mother of Luke and Leia Skywalker)
  28. 46Horned viper
  29. 48Is underwater
  30. 49S.E.C. football powerhouse, informally
  31. 50United
  32. 51Tried to hit a baseball
  33. 52Taste
  34. 55Double-decker checker
  35. 57Benin neighbor
  36. 58Door fastener
  37. 61Jerk

Crossword clues, hints, and answers

Across

  1. 1. In vogue — Answer: CHIC. Hint: Think of a style that's always trendy and effortlessly cool! 🕶️
  2. 5. Seal hunter — Answer: ORCA. Hint: This intelligent marine mammal is known for its striking black and white appearance and is often seen hunting in packs. 🐋
  3. 9. Some rudiments to be learned — Answer: ABCS. Hint: Think of the very first steps in learning something new! 📚
  4. 13. Flex time? — Answer: YOGA. Hint: Consider a practice that helps you stretch your body and mind! 🧘‍♀️
  5. 14. Stern — Answer: REAR. Hint: Think about the opposite of the front of a vehicle! 🚗
  6. 15. Container for peaches — Answer: CRATE. Hint: Think of a sturdy box that holds fruit, especially when it's being shipped! 🍑
  7. 17. *Honeybunch — Answer: STUTTGART. Hint: This city is known for its beer and beautiful gardens in Germany! 🍻
  8. 19. Group of spellers? — Answer: COVEN. Hint: Think of a gathering with a bit of magic and mischief! ✨
  9. 20. Title in "Beowulf" — Answer: THANE. Hint: This noble title often denotes a warrior or lord in ancient tales! ⚔️
  10. 21. Back-to-basics regimen — Answer: PALEODIET. Hint: Think of an eating plan that favors ancient foods for modern health! 🥦
  11. 23. Grp. of peacekeepers — Answer: NATO. Hint: This alliance was formed to promote collective defense and stability among its members. 🌍
  12. 25. *Afternoon socials — Answer: TELLALLS. Hint: These conversations often spill the tea and share the gossip! ☕
  13. 26. Caddies, in golf slang — Answer: LOOPERS. Hint: These helpful companions are often seen alongside golfers, ready to lend a hand! 🏌️
  14. 29. Part of a blind — Answer: SLAT. Hint: This thin piece helps control light in a window covering! 🪟
  15. 30. Partner of ends — Answer: ODDS. Hint: Think about the chances you take in a game of chance! 🎲
  16. 31. Some messages from a road trip, in brief — Answer: ETAS. Hint: Think of quick updates you might send during your travels! 🚗
  17. 33. Scare off — Answer: DETER. Hint: Think of what you might do to keep unwanted guests away! 👻
  18. 37. Many a golden parachute recipient, in brief — Answer: CEO. Hint: Think of the head of a company who often makes headlines for big payoffs! 💼
  19. 38. Renounced ... or a phonetic hint to reading the answers to the starred clues — Answer: FORGONE. Hint: Sometimes you let go of something for a better future! 🌅
  20. 40. Sanskrit name meaning "extraordinary" — Answer: APU. Hint: Think of a character from a popular animated movie who hails from India! 🐒
  21. 41. Capital close to the confluence of the Red and Black rivers — Answer: HANOI. Hint: This bustling city is known for its vibrant street life and rich history in Vietnam! 🇻🇳
  22. 43. Gaels of the N.C.A.A. — Answer: IONA. Hint: This school's name might remind you of a famous saint or a lush Irish landscape! 🍀
  23. 44. Battling — Answer: ATIT. Hint: Think about a situation where conflict and competition are at play! ⚔️
  24. 45. Piece of cake — Answer: SNAP. Hint: When something is super easy, it can be as simple as this! 🍰
  25. 47. Food processor — Answer: STOMACH. Hint: This organ breaks down your meals for nourishment! 🍽️
  26. 49. *Worms or flies, often — Answer: BASSISTS. Hint: These musicians often provide the foundation in a band, just like the bait in fishing! 🎸
  27. 53. Do some laps — Answer: SWIM. Hint: Think of a refreshing activity often enjoyed in a pool! 🏊
  28. 54. Right now — Answer: ASWESPEAK. Hint: Think about how you would describe something happening at this very moment! ⏳
  29. 56. ___ Hamilton, author of the classic "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" — Answer: EDITH. Hint: This author's name might remind you of a famous musical! 🎭
  30. 59. Sass — Answer: MOUTH. Hint: When someone speaks boldly or cheekily, they often do it with this part of their face! 😏
  31. 60. *___ Beach, Calif. — Answer: APIASAMOA. Hint: This beach name might remind you of a famous Polynesian island! 🌴
  32. 62. Hit 1977 musical that included Franklin D. Roosevelt as a character — Answer: ANNIE. Hint: This beloved musical features a plucky orphan and her adventures during the Great Depression! 🎭
  33. 63. Juniors, e.g. — Answer: SONS. Hint: Think of young male offspring in a family! 👦
  34. 64. Trails — Answer: LAGS. Hint: When you're falling behind, you might just be in the race's wake! 🏃‍♂️
  35. 65. "Yikes!" — Answer: EGAD. Hint: When something surprises you, this exclamation might just slip out! 😲
  36. 66. Rowers' workout machines, informally — Answer: ERGS. Hint: These machines are a staple in rowing gyms, often used for training and technique practice! 🚣‍♂️
  37. 67. Straddling — Answer: ATOP. Hint: Think about being positioned directly over something! 🏔️

Down

  1. 1. Anatomical pouch — Answer: CYST. Hint: This small sac can be found in various places in the body, often filled with fluid! 🩺
  2. 2. "Star Wars" planet where Luke Skywalker rides a tauntaun — Answer: HOTH. Hint: Think of the icy world from the original trilogy where snow battles take place! ❄️
  3. 3. Dinosaur named for a lizard tooth — Answer: IGUANODON. Hint: This herbivorous dinosaur shares its name with a modern-day reptile known for its distinctive teeth! 🦖
  4. 4. Quick timeouts? — Answer: CATNAPS. Hint: A brief snooze can be purr-fect for recharging! 😸
  5. 5. AAA or B.B.B. — Answer: ORG. Hint: Think about groups that often come with letters like these! 🏢
  6. 6. Bring in — Answer: REAP. Hint: It's time to gather what's been sown! 🌾
  7. 7. 200 milligrams — Answer: CARAT. Hint: Think about the weight measure often associated with precious stones! 💎
  8. 8. Sketchy activities? — Answer: ARTLESSONS. Hint: Sometimes creativity can lead to unexpected surprises! 🎨
  9. 9. Kudo — Answer: ACCOLADE. Hint: This word is often used to describe a compliment or tribute for a job well done! 🌟
  10. 10. Guys' night out — Answer: BRODATE. Hint: Think of a fun evening spent bonding with your male friends! 🍻
  11. 11. Trivial objection — Answer: CAVIL. Hint: Sometimes a little fuss can lead to a debate! 🤔
  12. 12. Symbol of strength and solidity — Answer: STEEL. Hint: Think of a material that's tough and often used in construction! 🔨
  13. 16. Tonsillectomy docs — Answer: ENTS. Hint: These specialists help keep your throat in top shape! 👨‍⚕️
  14. 18. French crown? — Answer: TETE. Hint: Think about what sits atop a head and is often adorned in royalty! 👑
  15. 22. Wing — Answer: ELL. Hint: Think of a word that could describe a part of a bird's anatomy! 🐦
  16. 24. Hydrox lookalike — Answer: OREO. Hint: This sweet treat often comes in a classic black-and-white color scheme! 🍪
  17. 26. Lomond, for one — Answer: LOCH. Hint: Think of a Scottish body of water often surrounded by hills! 🌊
  18. 27. Old theaters — Answer: ODEA. Hint: Think of places where ancient performances took the spotlight! 🎭
  19. 28. Show that ends in disarray? — Answer: STRIPTEASE. Hint: This tantalizing performance reveals more than just a talent! 💃
  20. 32. Long time follower? — Answer: AGO. Hint: Think back to a point in time that seems distant! 🕰️
  21. 34. Dojo furnishing — Answer: TATAMIMAT. Hint: It's the padded surface where martial arts practice comes alive! 🥋
  22. 35. It's a long story — Answer: EPIC. Hint: Think of a tale that’s grand in scope and often includes heroic deeds! 📖
  23. 36. One of the six sluggers on baseball's Murderer's Row — Answer: RUTH. Hint: Think of the legendary player known for his home run prowess! ⚾
  24. 38. Spent — Answer: FINISHED. Hint: When you've completed all your tasks, you might say you've done this! ✅
  25. 39. "Curly W" team — Answer: NATS. Hint: This team's home games are played in a city known for its monuments and politics! ⚾
  26. 42. Caucasus region — Answer: OSSETIA. Hint: Think of a region nestled between Europe and Asia, rich in culture and history! 🏔️
  27. 44. Padmé ___ (mother of Luke and Leia Skywalker) — Answer: AMIDALA. Hint: This character is a pivotal figure in a galaxy far, far away! 🌌
  28. 46. Horned viper — Answer: ASP. Hint: This slithery creature is known for its distinctive venomous bite! 🐍
  29. 48. Is underwater — Answer: OWES. Hint: Consider what one might owe when submerged in the depths of the sea! 🌊
  30. 49. S.E.C. football powerhouse, informally — Answer: BAMA. Hint: This southern state is known for its gridiron glory and sweet tea! 🏈
  31. 50. United — Answer: ASONE. Hint: Think of a word that means together or in harmony! 🤝
  32. 51. Tried to hit a baseball — Answer: SWUNG. Hint: When you're at bat, you make a motion to connect with the ball! ⚾
  33. 52. Taste — Answer: SAPOR. Hint: Think of a flavor that dances on your palate! 🍽️
  34. 55. Double-decker checker — Answer: KING. Hint: Think of the highest piece in a game that can move across the board with ease! 👑
  35. 57. Benin neighbor — Answer: TOGO. Hint: This small West African country shares a border with Benin and is known for its palm-lined beaches! 🌴
  36. 58. Door fastener — Answer: HASP. Hint: Think of a simple device that keeps things secure when you lock up! 🔒
  37. 61. Jerk — Answer: ASS. Hint: Sometimes you might call someone a real pain in the neck! 😏

The answer to “Battling” in the New York Times crossword is ATIT — a 4-letter word. This clue ran in the New York Times crossword on July 9, 2026, a Thursday puzzle, at 44-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.

“Battling” answer

ATIT (4 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 ATIT.

Why the answer is ATIT

Think about a situation where conflict and competition are at play! ⚔️

When else has “Battling” 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 9, 2026 (this puzzle) → ATIT. We haven't indexed an earlier appearance of this exact clue yet.

More clues from the NYT crossword on July 9, 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 9, 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 Thursday 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 “Battling”?

The answer is ATIT, a 4-letter word. It appeared in the New York Times crossword on July 9, 2026.

How many letters is the answer to “Battling”?

4 letters: ATIT.

Where did this clue appear?

In the New York Times crossword on July 9, 2026 (a Thursday puzzle), at 44-Across.

Can “Battling” 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 9, 2026 is on the NYT answers page, with every clue and answer from that puzzle.

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