36 Down

NYT Daily • August 26, 2025

Ultimatum word

Answer:

ELSE

Hint:

Think of what comes after "or" when someone demands you choose between two options.

Explanation:

An ultimatum is a final demand where someone says, "Do this, or else!"—the word "else" is the threat hanging at the end. Here, the clue plays on that common phrase, using "ultimatum" to hint at the word that usually follows it. It’s a straightforward example of how crosswords borrow everyday expressions and trim them down to their key terms. No tricks, just recognizing the familiar pairing.

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