22 Down

NYT Daily ? September 30, 2025

Struggle

Answer:

VIE

Hint:

Think of a short word meaning to compete eagerly, often used when two parties are locked in a close contest.

Explanation:

"Struggle" hints at a contest or competition, and "vie" is a short verb meaning to compete eagerly. The clue plays on the idea of a struggle being a fight or rivalry, where "vie" fits as a concise way to describe that tension. It’s a straightforward definition without hidden wordplay—just matching the meaning of "struggle" to a less common but precise word.

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Material for a pub quiz

General solving tip

Words like 'said,' 'reportedly,' or 'sounds like' point to homophones—an answer that sounds like another word or phrase. Read the clue aloud in your head.

More tips → General Hints