Quick Answer
The New York Times crossword clue “Burden” is answered with ONUS.
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Answer: ONUS
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Length: 4 letters
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Clue number and direction: 4 Down
In the grid, it appears as a four‑letter vertical entry for 4 Down: O N U S.
Why “ONUS” Is the Right NYT Answer
“Onus” is a direct synonym of burden, especially in the sense of responsibility, duty, or obligation placed on someone. When the clue is a single word like “Burden,” NYT often uses a one‑word definition answer, and ONUS is a classic choice.
The 4‑letter length for 4 Down fits perfectly, and once you have crossings like O N _ S or _ N U S, other options become very unlikely, making ONUS the clean, expected fill.
What “ONUS” Means in Plain English
In everyday English, onus means a responsibility, duty, or load that someone has to carry, often figuratively. For example: “The onus is on you to prove it,” meaning the burden or responsibility is yours.
Crosswords lean on this slightly formal word a lot, so remembering that “burden,” “responsibility,” or “duty” can all clue ONUS will save you time on future puzzles.
How “ONUS” Fits the Grid and Crossings
For 4 Down, the answer length is 4 letters, so the pattern starts as:
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Pattern before solving:
_ _ _ _ -
Final fill:
O N U S
As you fill the intersecting Across entries, you may see patterns like O N _ S or _ N U S, which quickly point to ONUS if you think of common crossword vocabulary. If any crossing seems to contradict one of the letters in ONUS, it’s usually that crossing answer that needs rechecking, because the definition match here is very straightforward.
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
When you see short, abstract one‑word clues like “Burden,” “Duty,” or “Responsibility,” try these steps:
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Think of formal synonyms: Words like ONUS, “onus,” “task,” “load,” and “yoke” are frequent in puzzles.
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Match tone and length: A 4‑letter slot with a slightly formal clue (“Burden”) strongly suggests ONUS rather than more casual words like “job.”
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Use crossings early: As soon as you get an O or N in place, mentally test ONUS before searching for rarer alternatives.
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Remember repeat “crosswordese”: ONUS is a staple word you’ll see again and again, especially early in the week.
Possible Alternate Clues for “ONUS”
In this and other puzzles, ONUS might also be clued as:
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“Responsibility”
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“Duty”
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“It may be ‘on you’”
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“Burden of proof, e.g.”
All of these play off the same core meaning of a figurative load or responsibility placed on someone.
