25 Across

NYT Daily • August 23, 2025

Mutually accepts

Answer:

AGREESON

Hint:

Consenting parties might use this two-word phrase to signal alignment.

Explanation:

"Mutually accepts" hints at two parties coming to an agreement, which is where "AGREES" comes in. The "ON" at the end isn’t just extra—it’s a playful nod to the phrase "agrees on," turning the answer into a smooth, self-contained term. Think of it like two people shaking hands and saying, "We agree on this," all packed into one word. The clue keeps it simple but cleverly folds the preposition into the solution.

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