44 Down

NYT Daily ? September 23, 2025

Decreases

Answer:

LESSENS

Hint:

Think of a verb that means to make something smaller in amount or intensity, often used when discussing pain or problems. It starts with "less" and rhymes with a season.

Explanation:

"Decreases" is a straightforward definition clue pointing to a verb that means to reduce or make smaller. The answer "LESSENS" fits perfectly because it directly means to diminish in amount, intensity, or size. There’s no hidden wordplay here—it’s a simple, direct match between the clue and the answer. Think of it like saying something "lessens" when it gets weaker or shrinks over time.

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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