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.