The New York Times Crossword · 1-Across · 3 letters
"Awesome!" The New York Times Crossword clue
Editorially reviewed August 23, 2026
Read the shorthand
Reveal the entry now—or expand the clue first.
Form cue
Think of a three-letter retro slang word for excellent or exciting.
Open the answer and decode the shorthandOne click · no signup
Answer
How the short form works
As an enthusiastic reaction, “Awesome!” can be replaced by the short slang adjective RAD. The quotation marks present the clue as something a speaker might exclaim.
Continue this puzzlePeace symbol →Abbreviation or register signal
Quotation marks and the exclamation point call for a brief spoken reaction, while the answer uses informal slang.
Expanded meaning
Rad is informal slang meaning excellent, impressive, or exciting.
Where this clue appeared
1-Across in The New York Times Crossword puzzle for August 23, 2026.
Browse selected The New York Times Crossword clues →More selected clues from The New York Times Crossword · August 23, 2026
Continue with independently explained clues from the same puzzle date. This is a selected learning set, not a complete answer list.
See RAD meaning and common clue patterns →
Related reviewed clues
Solve the next clue here.
Paste another clue, add the letters you trust, and keep solving without returning to search.
This independently written explanation is for learning and clue analysis. Crossword Clue Tutor is not affiliated with or endorsed by The New York Times Crossword or its publisher.