45 Across

NYT Daily ? September 16, 2025

*Bottom of the ocean

Answer:

SEAFLOOR

Hint:

Think of the terrain beneath waves where marine life thrives and shipwrecks rest—it’s not just sand, but a vast, uneven landscape.

Explanation:

"Bottom of the ocean" is a straightforward clue pointing directly to the lowest part of the sea, which is called the seafloor. There’s no hidden wordplay or trick here—it’s a simple definition where the answer matches the literal meaning. If you picture the ocean, the seafloor is the solid ground beneath all the water, covering everything from sandy shallows to deep trenches. Think of it like the "floor" of a room, but underwater.

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General solving tip

'Perhaps,' 'maybe,' or 'e.g.' usually signal an example, not the category name. You're looking for one member of a broader set.

More tips → General Hints