16 Down

NYT Daily • September 9, 2025

Not taught

Answer:

NATURAL

Hint:

["Think of something that occurs without human instruction or intervention, like an instinct or untrained ability."]

Explanation:

"Natural" fits "not taught" because it describes something innate or instinctive—like talent or behavior that isn’t learned. The wordplay is straightforward: "natural" literally means occurring without instruction or training. Think of phrases like "a natural athlete" or "natural ability," where the skill comes effortlessly rather than from lessons. It’s a direct definition clue with no hidden tricks.

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