Quick Answer
The New York Times crossword clue “Nine-digit ID” is answered with SSN.
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Answer: SSN
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Length: 3 letters
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Clue number and direction: 7 Across
In the grid, it appears as a three‑letter entry: S S N.
Why “SSN” Is the Right NYT Answer
“SSN” is the common abbreviation for Social Security number, a U.S. identification number consisting of nine digits, which matches the clue “Nine-digit ID” exactly. The clue is a clean definition: it doesn’t use wordplay, just a description of what an SSN is.
The slot for 7 Across is 3 letters long, and SSN is the standard, widely recognized three‑letter abbreviation used on forms, documents, and in everyday language. Any crossings giving S _ N or _ S N will quickly lock in SSN as the only natural fill.
What “SSN” Means in Plain English
In plain English, SSN stands for Social Security number, a unique nine‑digit identifier issued to individuals in the United States, mainly for tax and benefits administration. It’s often requested on official forms, job applications, and financial documents.
For crossword purposes, you only need to remember that whenever you see a clue like “Nine-digit ID,” “Govt. ID,” or “Taxpayer ID (abbr.),” the answer is very often SSN, especially in American-style puzzles.
How “SSN” Fits the Grid and Crossings
For 7 Across, the answer length is 3 letters, so the pattern starts as:
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Pattern before solving:
_ _ _ -
Final fill:
S S N
Crossings will help confirm it:
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The two S’s are common letters and will intersect with Down clues; once you have something like
S S _or_ S N, SSN becomes the obvious choice. -
Because the clue references a nine‑digit ID but expects a short entry, an abbreviation is clearly intended, and SSN is the standard one.
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
When you see ID‑related clues in NYT crosswords, these tips will help:
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Look for “ID” + number count: Phrases like “Nine-digit ID” or “Govt. ID, for short” very often lead to SSN.
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Watch for “for short” or “abbr.”: These hint strongly at an abbreviated form, which fits with SSN being only 3 letters.
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Consider region: In American crosswords, government ID clues skew toward SSN, “TIN,” or “EIN,” but the nine‑digit angle is a giveaway for SSN.
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Use crossings to confirm: If the surrounding Downs give you
Sin the first or second position, quickly test SSN before trying something more obscure.
Possible Alternate Clues for “SSN”
The answer SSN often appears under other clue phrasings, such as:
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“Govt. ID, for short”
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“ID on some tax forms”
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“ID with nine digits, briefly”
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“U.S. taxpayer ID (abbr.)”
All of these point to the same concept: the abbreviated form of a Social Security number.
