49 Down

NYT Daily • August 26, 2025

Darlings

Answer:

DEARS

Hint:

Think of a sweet, old-fashioned term of endearment often used in letters.

Explanation:

"Darlings" is a term of affection often used to address loved ones, and "dears" serves the same purpose—it’s a straightforward synonym. The clue plays on the idea of endearments, where both words convey warmth without any hidden wordplay or tricks. Think of it like calling someone "my dear" or "my darling," where the answer fits naturally as a common alternative. No deeper meaning here, just a simple swap of one sweet term for another.

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