NY Times Crossword

June 5, 2025 

Timothy Gaetz

 

The following words have something in common and can be changed into new ones according to a certain pattern. A hint to the pattern is given below the words. Can you discover the pattern and the new words?

 

1. VERY

2. CHER

3. TRIES

4. STOUT 

5. WAS

6. BITS

7. STING 

8. TONED

9. DEED 

10. ERRS 

 

HINT to pattern: Phrase that could be used when giving emphatic, indisputable instructions 

 

HINT to answers: Three different key words are used in the pattern 

 

Answers:

 

The phrase that describes the pattern is NO IFS, ANDS, OR BUTS. Each word can be changed to a new one by inserting IF, AND, or BUT somewhere in the word:

 

1. VERIY

2. BUTCHER 

3. TRIBUTES  

4. STANDOUT

5. WAIFS

6. BANDITS

7. SIFTING

8. BUTTONED

9. DEBUTED

10. ERRANDS