9 Across
NYT Mini • August 17, 2025
Societal equal
Answer:
PEER
Hint:
Someone of the same rank or standing might be called this in a group.
Explanation:
"Societal equal" hints at someone who holds the same rank or status as others in a group. The answer is "PEER," which directly means a person of equal standing, like a coworker or classmate. There’s no wordplay here—it’s a straightforward definition where the clue and answer match in meaning. Think of phrases like "peer group" or "jury of one’s peers" to see how it fits.