The New York Times Crossword · 16-Across · 9 letters
Politician's response, maybe The New York Times Crossword clue
Editorially reviewed August 28, 2026
Decode the turn
Reveal the answer now—or spot the trick first.
What to notice
Use a nine-letter noun for an evasive reply.
Open the answer and unpack the wordplayOne click · no signup
Answer
How the trick resolves
NONANSWER fits the clue's wry suggestion that a politician's response may sound responsive while evading the question.
Continue this puzzle"Oh, what the hell" →The turn in the clue
The qualifier "maybe" signals a humorous stereotype rather than a literal job definition.
The answer in plain English
A nonanswer is a response that avoids giving the requested information.
Where this clue appeared
16-Across in The New York Times Crossword puzzle for August 28, 2026.
Browse selected The New York Times Crossword clues →More selected clues from The New York Times Crossword · August 28, 2026
Continue with independently explained clues from the same puzzle date. This is a selected learning set, not a complete answer list.
See NONANSWER meaning and common clue patterns →
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.