Quick Answer
The New York Times crossword clue “Information gathered by a spy” is answered with INTEL.
- Answer: INTEL
- Length: 5 letters
- Clue number and direction: 5 Across
In the grid, it appears as a five‑letter entry: I N T E L.
Why “INTEL” Is the Right NYT Answer
The clue asks for a noun meaning “information gathered by a spy,” which is exactly what INTEL means in common usage: a shortened form of “intelligence,” especially secret or strategic information collected for military, political, or security purposes.
The slot for 5 Across is 5 letters long, and INTEL fits that count perfectly. With crossings, patterns like I N T _ L or _ N T E L quickly confirm INTEL as the only natural, idiomatic fill that matches the clue’s definition and tone.
What “INTEL” Means in Plain English
In plain English, INTEL means secret or inside information, usually gathered by spies, agencies, or informants.
You’ll often hear it in phrases like “gather intel,” “good intel,” or “military intel,” all of which align with “information gathered by a spy,” making it a very intuitive, fair answer for solvers.
How “INTEL” Fits the Grid and Crossings
For 5 Across, the entry length is 5 letters, so the blank pattern looks like:
- Pattern before solving:
_ _ _ _ _ - Final fill:
I N T E L
Crossings help lock it in: each letter of INTEL intersects with Down answers, and even 2–3 confirmed crossings (like I _ T E L or I N T _ L) strongly point to INTEL. If a crossing conflicts, it’s usually the Down entry that needs rechecking, because the definition here is very direct.
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
- Look for spy language: words like “spy,” “agent,” “CIA,” or “secret” often signal answers such as INTEL, “info,” or “data.”
- Match the tone: “Information gathered by a spy” sounds modern and informal, which fits the clipped feel of INTEL better than formal “intelligence.”
- Use the letter count: for a 5‑letter slot, test INTEL against the pattern before trying longer or obscure words.
- Think in word families: if “intelligence” comes to mind, shorten it—crosswords love these clipped forms (intel, info, demo, promo, etc.).
Possible Alternate Clues for “INTEL”
The same answer INTEL might appear with other clue phrasings such as:
- “Spy’s haul”
- “Secret info”
- “CIA collection”
- “Classified info, informally”
All of these point toward confidential or strategic information, making INTEL a versatile, commonly reused entry in crosswords.
