9 Down

NYT Daily ? September 21, 2025

Dubbed ones

Answer:

SIRS

Hint:

Think of a polite title often used before a man's name in British contexts, especially for knights or respected figures.

Explanation:

"Dubbed ones" hints at people who’ve been given a title, and "sirs" fits perfectly since it’s a formal address for men who’ve been knighted or hold certain honors. The word "dubbed" is key—it literally means to give someone a title, like when a knight is tapped with a sword and called "sir." So, the answer plays on both the act of dubbing and the resulting title itself.

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General solving tip

Match the clue's grammar: plural with plural, past with past. If the clue ends in 's' or uses a past-tense verb, mirror that form in the entry.

More tips → General Hints