NY Times Crossword
December 28, 2017
Gary Larson
(Title shown below)

Each answer to the clues below will conceal the same hidden word. Can you spot it?

1. Picture gallery on a Post Office wall
2. Coming-out party
3. Account of a Hellish trip
4. "Who woulda thunk it?"
5. Chaucer classic
6. DC Comics superhero
7. Tropical plant with huge leaves

Answers:

1. WANTED POSTERS
2. DEBUTANTE BALL
3. DANTE'S  THE INFERNO 
4. "YOU NEVER CAN TELL."
5. THE CANTERBURY TALES 
6. THE GREEN LANTERN
7. ELEPHANT EARS

Hidden word: ANTE:

1. wANTEd posters, etc. 

Puzzle title: UP THE ANTE 
All the answers were written upward.