The New York Times Crossword · 13-Across · 8 letters

Worrier's words The New York Times Crossword clue

Editorially reviewed August 28, 2026

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8 letters

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Form cue

Use an eight-letter grid phrase opposing a feared possibility.

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Answer

IHOPENOT

How the short form works

IHOPENOT fits because it is a natural phrase from someone worrying about a possible bad outcome.

Continue this puzzle"Oh, what the hell" →

Abbreviation or register signal

The possessive and plural "words" ask for a short quotation-like phrase.

Expanded meaning

"I hope not" expresses anxiety that an undesirable possibility will not occur.

Where this clue appeared

13-Across in The New York Times Crossword puzzle for August 28, 2026.

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More selected clues from The New York Times Crossword · August 28, 2026

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