32 Across
NYT Daily • August 16, 2025
Practitioner of black magic
Answer:
HEXER
Hint:
This spellcaster’s name sounds like someone who might cast a six-letter curse.
Explanation:
"Hexer" is a straightforward term for someone who practices black magic, often casting curses or spells. The word hex itself refers to a magical curse, so hexer simply means the person doing the hexing. It’s a less common but fitting answer for this clue, avoiding more typical terms like witch or warlock to keep the puzzle fresh.