26 Across

NYT Daily • August 13, 2025

Dearest pal

Answer:

BESTIE

Hint:

Your ride-or-die might shorten this term when tagging you in a playful post.

Explanation:

"Dearest pal" is a casual way to refer to a very close friend, and "bestie" is a modern slang term for that exact idea. The clue plays on the affectionate tone of "dearest," which aligns perfectly with how people use "bestie" in everyday conversation. It’s a straightforward definition with no hidden wordplay—just a warm, informal synonym for a beloved friend.

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