Lou Gehrig's disease, for short

Crossword Answer — July 23, 2026

Hint

This neurodegenerative condition carries the initials of its namesake, just like a popular acronym! 🧠

Answer

Tap each tile or show full answer below

NYT Crossword

Thursday, July 23, 2026

By Damon Gulczynski

Tap a square to reveal a letter.

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

NYT Crossword Clues

Across

  1. 1More than just a disapproving look
  2. 10Scruff of the neck
  3. 13Fondita offerings
  4. 15Three-time A.L. M.V.P. of the 2000s, familiarly
  5. 16"The Devil's radio"
  6. 17Pollution portmanteau
  7. 18Really peeved
  8. 19What a pointless game has?
  9. 21Outfitted
  10. 25Password preceder
  11. 26Former Toyota sports cars named for a Latin prefix
  12. 27Passover month
  13. 29___-turvy
  14. 30Sprint, e.g.
  15. 31Home run hitter's gait
  16. 35Downed
  17. 36Part in a play
  18. 37"That's the spot!"
  19. 38"Tyrone" singer Erykah
  20. 40Not much
  21. 41"Will you let me?"
  22. 43Desert for which an African country is named
  23. 45Like obsidian rock, once
  24. 46Symbol of rebirth in ancient Egypt
  25. 49Last hurrah
  26. 51Trials by fire
  27. 53Wholly, but not holey or holy, e.g.: Abbr.
  28. 54Helen of Troy's mother
  29. 55Ignominious outcome
  30. 61Tech product discontinued in 2022
  31. 62Proposed cosmological phenomenon that could make up 70% of the universe -- and six squares in this puzzle's grid?
  32. 63Not admit
  33. 64Pottery so named for its hardness

Down

  1. 1Agnus ___
  2. 2Word after tight or defensive
  3. 3Knee stabilizer, in brief
  4. 4Not just any
  5. 5Attractive feature of a job
  6. 6Single-masted vessels
  7. 7Sweet or sour
  8. 8Podcast interruptions
  9. 9Frequent forecast in Seattle
  10. 10Strong suit?
  11. 11Unleavened South Asian flatbread
  12. 12Follower of double or gilt
  13. 14Champion, as a cause
  14. 15Budding
  15. 20Org. with a list of popular baby names
  16. 21Minimum, in a way
  17. 22Increased
  18. 23Letters before ".gov"
  19. 24Forensic facilities
  20. 26Sign abbr. meaning "founded in"
  21. 28Coffee or tea specification
  22. 30Unleavened South Asian flatbread
  23. 32Sought comfort from, say
  24. 33Like granola
  25. 34Unnamed article
  26. 39Ill-prepared
  27. 40Didn't stay on topic
  28. 41Come together
  29. 42Lou Gehrig's disease, for short
  30. 44One level below the majors
  31. 45Infuriate
  32. 46Sphere, e.g.
  33. 47Crinkly fabric
  34. 48Extension
  35. 50Totally bizarre
  36. 52Places to get masks
  37. 56Original N.Y.C. subway line
  38. 57Handful
  39. 58Long stretch
  40. 59Cabinet dept. since 1889
  41. 60Gospel musician Tribbett

Crossword clues, hints, and answers

Across

  1. 1. More than just a disapproving look — Answer: DEATHSTAR. Hint: This iconic space station is known for its ability to cast a shadow over the galaxy! 🌌
  2. 10. Scruff of the neck — Answer: APE. Hint: Think of a playful animal known for swinging through trees! 🐒
  3. 13. Fondita offerings — Answer: ENCHILADAS. Hint: Think of a tasty rolled treat often smothered in sauce and cheese! 🌮
  4. 15. Three-time A.L. M.V.P. of the 2000s, familiarly — Answer: AROD. Hint: Think of a baseball star known for his impressive home runs and a famous nickname! ⚾
  5. 16. "The Devil's radio" — Answer: IDLEGOSSIP. Hint: What spreads quickly and can burn your reputation? 🔥
  6. 17. Pollution portmanteau — Answer: SMOG. Hint: Think of a mix between smoke and fog that clouds the air! 🌫️
  7. 18. Really peeved — Answer: HOT. Hint: When you're truly upset, your emotions might just boil over! 🔥
  8. 19. What a pointless game has? — Answer: NOSCORE. Hint: It's what you lack when no one's keeping tabs on the game! 🎮
  9. 21. Outfitted — Answer: QUIPPED. Hint: Ready for action with a clever touch! 🎭
  10. 25. Password preceder — Answer: USERID. Hint: Think of what you need to enter before typing your secret code! 🔑
  11. 26. Former Toyota sports cars named for a Latin prefix — Answer: SUPRAS. Hint: These powerful rides might take you above and beyond! 🚗
  12. 27. Passover month — Answer: NISAN. Hint: It's a time of spring and renewal in the Jewish calendar! 🌱
  13. 29. ___-turvy — Answer: TOPSY. Hint: When things are all mixed up, they might be this way! 🤪
  14. 30. Sprint, e.g. — Answer: RACE. Hint: Think about a competition with speed and excitement! 🏁
  15. 31. Home run hitter's gait — Answer: TROT. Hint: Imagine that confident swagger after hitting it out of the park! ⚾
  16. 35. Downed — Answer: ATE. Hint: Think of a meal you enjoyed recently! 🍽️
  17. 36. Part in a play — Answer: OLE. Hint: Think of a lively celebration that can add flair to any performance! 🎉
  18. 37. "That's the spot!" — Answer: AAH. Hint: Express your excitement with a little shout of joy! 😄
  19. 38. "Tyrone" singer Erykah — Answer: BADU. Hint: This artist's name sounds like a negative adjective, but she’s anything but! 🎶
  20. 40. Not much — Answer: ATAD. Hint: Sometimes, it's just a little bit! 🌟
  21. 41. "Will you let me?" — Answer: CANTI. Hint: Think of a polite way to request permission, especially in a musical or lyrical context! 🎶
  22. 43. Desert for which an African country is named — Answer: NAMIB. Hint: Think of a vast sandy stretch in the southwestern part of Africa! 🏜️
  23. 45. Like obsidian rock, once — Answer: MOLTEN. Hint: Think about its fiery origins before it cools down into a shiny surface! 🔥
  24. 46. Symbol of rebirth in ancient Egypt — Answer: SCARAB. Hint: This little beetle is a big deal in ancient mythology! 🐞
  25. 49. Last hurrah — Answer: SWANSON. Hint: Think of a graceful bird that makes a final exit in style! 🦢
  26. 51. Trials by fire — Answer: ORDEALS. Hint: These challenging experiences can test your limits and reveal your true character! 🔥
  27. 53. Wholly, but not holey or holy, e.g.: Abbr. — Answer: ADV. Hint: Think of a way to describe something that is completely done, often seen in advertising! 📣
  28. 54. Helen of Troy's mother — Answer: LEDA. Hint: She was known for her beauty and is often linked to swans in mythology. 🦢
  29. 55. Ignominious outcome — Answer: EPICDEFEAT. Hint: Sometimes, a grand plan can end in unexpected sorrow! 😅
  30. 61. Tech product discontinued in 2022 — Answer: IPOD. Hint: Think of a classic music player that made waves before streaming took over! 🎶
  31. 62. Proposed cosmological phenomenon that could make up 70% of the universe -- and six squares in this puzzle's grid? — Answer: DARKENERGY. Hint: Think of a mysterious force that stretches across the cosmos and might hold the key to the universe's expansion! 🌌
  32. 63. Not admit — Answer: DEN. Hint: Sometimes, you just have to close the door on someone! 🚪
  33. 64. Pottery so named for its hardness — Answer: STONEWARE. Hint: Think of a type of ceramic that can withstand high temperatures and is often used for durable kitchenware! 🍽️

Down

  1. 1. Agnus ___ — Answer: DEI. Hint: This phrase is often associated with a sacred lamb in liturgical contexts. 🐑
  2. 2. Word after tight or defensive — Answer: END. Hint: What comes after a finish line or in a game of strategy? 🏁
  3. 3. Knee stabilizer, in brief — Answer: ACL. Hint: This ligament plays a crucial role in keeping your knee stable during movement! 🦵
  4. 4. Not just any — Answer: THE. Hint: This word emphasizes something specific, not just any random choice! 🎯
  5. 5. Attractive feature of a job — Answer: HIGHPAY. Hint: What makes a job really appealing? 💰
  6. 6. Single-masted vessels — Answer: SLOOPS. Hint: These nimble boats are often favored for their speed and simplicity! ⛵
  7. 7. Sweet or sour — Answer: TASTE. Hint: What you experience when you savor your favorite treat or try something new! 🍭
  8. 8. Podcast interruptions — Answer: ADS. Hint: These can pop up during your favorite episodes to catch your attention! 🎧
  9. 9. Frequent forecast in Seattle — Answer: RAIN. Hint: Don't forget your umbrella, especially in the Pacific Northwest! ☔
  10. 10. Strong suit? — Answer: ARMOR. Hint: This protective gear might be more than just a fashion statement! 🛡️
  11. 11. Unleavened South Asian flatbread — Answer: POORI. Hint: This tasty bread is often enjoyed with curry and is a staple in many South Asian meals! 🍽️
  12. 12. Follower of double or gilt — Answer: EDGED. Hint: Think of something that has a sharp finish or a decorative border! ✂️
  13. 14. Champion, as a cause — Answer: SPOUSE. Hint: Think of someone who stands by your side in every battle! ❤️
  14. 15. Budding — Answer: ASCENT. Hint: Think about climbing or rising to new heights! 🌱
  15. 20. Org. with a list of popular baby names — Answer: SSA. Hint: Think of the group that keeps track of the names that parents love the most for their little ones! 👶
  16. 21. Minimum, in a way — Answer: QUOTA. Hint: Think about a required share or amount that must be fulfilled! 📊
  17. 22. Increased — Answer: UPPED. Hint: Think about what you might do to raise the stakes! 📈
  18. 23. Letters before ".gov" — Answer: IRS. Hint: Think about tax-related agencies and their abbreviations! 💼
  19. 24. Forensic facilities — Answer: DNALABS. Hint: Where scientists analyze genetic material to solve mysteries! 🧬
  20. 26. Sign abbr. meaning "founded in" — Answer: STAB. Hint: Think about how organizations often mark their establishment date! 🏛️
  21. 28. Coffee or tea specification — Answer: ICED. Hint: This refreshing drink is perfect for a hot day! 🧊
  22. 30. Unleavened South Asian flatbread — Answer: ROTI. Hint: This Indian staple is often enjoyed with curry or vegetables! 🍽️
  23. 32. Sought comfort from, say — Answer: RANTO. Hint: Sometimes, venting your feelings can really help soothe your soul! 🗣️
  24. 33. Like granola — Answer: OATEN. Hint: Think of a popular breakfast ingredient that's crunchy and healthy! 🥣
  25. 34. Unnamed article — Answer: THIN. Hint: Think of something that might not draw much attention but still has its own subtle importance! 🧐
  26. 39. Ill-prepared — Answer: UNREAD. Hint: Sometimes, it's best to skim before diving in! 📚
  27. 40. Didn't stay on topic — Answer: AMBLED. Hint: Sometimes that means wandering off the main subject! 🐾
  28. 41. Come together — Answer: CONVENE. Hint: Think about gathering people for a meeting or discussion! 📅
  29. 42. Lou Gehrig's disease, for short — Answer: ALS. Hint: This neurodegenerative condition carries the initials of its namesake, just like a popular acronym! 🧠
  30. 44. One level below the majors — Answer: AAA. Hint: Think of a minor league that's a step away from the big leagues! ⚾
  31. 45. Infuriate — Answer: MADDEN. Hint: When something drives you crazy, it can really get under your skin! 😤
  32. 46. Sphere, e.g. — Answer: SOLID. Hint: Think of a three-dimensional shape that has no edges or vertices! ⬤
  33. 47. Crinkly fabric — Answer: CREPE. Hint: Think of a fabric that's often used in elegant clothing and has a unique texture! 🎀
  34. 48. Extension — Answer: ADDON. Hint: Think of something that enhances a program or tool! 🛠️
  35. 50. Totally bizarre — Answer: WACKO. Hint: Think of something that might make you say, 'That's just crazy!' 🤪
  36. 52. Places to get masks — Answer: SPAS. Hint: Think of a spot where relaxation and rejuvenation are key! 🧖‍♀️
  37. 56. Original N.Y.C. subway line — Answer: IRT. Hint: Think about the early days of New York's underground transit! 🚇
  38. 57. Handful — Answer: FEW. Hint: Sometimes, less is more! 🌟
  39. 58. Long stretch — Answer: ERA. Hint: Think about a significant period of time in history! ⏳
  40. 59. Cabinet dept. since 1889 — Answer: AGR. Hint: It's the department that oversees farming and rural development in the U.S. 🌾
  41. 60. Gospel musician Tribbett — Answer: TYE. Hint: This artist's first name sounds like a popular abbreviation for 'thank you'! 🎶

The answer to “Lou Gehrig's disease, for short” in the New York Times crossword is ALS — a 3-letter word. This clue ran in the New York Times crossword on July 23, 2026, a Thursday puzzle, at 42-Down. 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.

“Lou Gehrig's disease, for short” answer

ALS (3 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 ALS.

Why the answer is ALS

This neurodegenerative condition carries the initials of its namesake, just like a popular acronym! 🧠

When else has “Lou Gehrig's disease, for short” 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 before, and what the answer was each time — handy if you landed here from a puzzle on another date.

More clues from the NYT Crossword crossword on July 23, 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 23, 2026 is on that day's grid page, and today's live NYT Crossword 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 “Lou Gehrig's disease, for short”?

The answer is ALS, a 3-letter word. It appeared in the New York Times crossword on July 23, 2026.

How many letters is the answer to “Lou Gehrig's disease, for short”?

3 letters: ALS.

Where did this clue appear?

In the New York Times crossword on July 23, 2026 (a Thursday puzzle), at 42-Down.

Can “Lou Gehrig's disease, for short” 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 July 23, 2026 is on the NYT Crossword answers page, with every clue and answer from that puzzle.

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