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NYT Daily • August 10, 2025

Smash to smithereens

Answer:

ATOMIZE

Hint:

Break something down to its smallest possible particles.

Explanation:

The clue "Smash to smithereens" hints at breaking something into tiny pieces, which aligns with the word "atomize," meaning to reduce to fine particles or atoms. The wordplay here is straightforward—"atomize" literally describes the action of smashing something into extremely small fragments, much like smithereens. It’s a precise fit for the idea of complete destruction or fragmentation.

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