Abate

Published by Naitik Mehta · March 31, 2026

Stuck on the clue Abate from the New York Times Midi for March 31, 2026? We have the correct 5-letter answer, including the definition, alternative hints, as well as other answers from the same crossword. Ready to learn more about this clue?

Clue

Abate (5)

Answer

The answer to Abate is Letup (5 letters).

Some cells in this answer were drawn with a circle in the original puzzle — these often flag a hidden theme.

Why does Letup fit this clue?

This entry has a circled cell at index 4, where the letter 'P' is visually marked in the grid, likely as part of a broader theme pattern across the puzzle. The clue 'Abate' is a direct definition pointing to LETUP, a noun meaning a pause or reduction in intensity. To abate means to become less intense or widespread, and a letup captures exactly this concept of diminishing force or temporary relief. The word letup combines 'let' (to allow or permit) with 'up' (suggesting cessation), creating a term that describes the natural pause that occurs when pressure, activity, or intensity decreases.

What does Abate mean?

We break down each word in the clue and show its dictionary definition below.

abate

verb

•to reduce in intensity or amount; to lessen or diminish

Where did this clue appear?

This clue appeared as 7-down in the New York Times Midi on March 31, 2026, by Ian Livengood. See all answers for this puzzle.

NYT Midi — Mar 31, 2026

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What does Letup mean?

noun

•A pause or period of slackening.

Origin of the word Letup

•origin: let up (phrasal verb)

•period: 19th century

The noun 'letup' emerged from the phrasal verb 'let up' meaning to slacken or ease off, with the compound noun form first appearing in American English around the 1830s.

How to use Letup in a sentence

Here are 3 examples of how to use the word Letup.

•“After hours of heavy rain, there was finally a letup in the storm.”

•“The coach worked the team hard all season without any letup in training intensity.”

•“She hoped for a letup in her busy schedule so she could take a vacation.”

What are other crossword clues for Letup?

“Take one's foot off the gas” (5)

Learn about related clues

All clues from the New York Times Midi, Mar 31, 2026 crossword

The New York Times Midi for March 31, 2026 titled “Five in a Row” was published by Ian Livengood and has 33 clues. Curious about all the answers from this crossword puzzle? View all answers here.

Across

1AHoped-for blackjack card (3)4AHershey's Kiss wrappers (5)9ANot strict (3)10AWinged figure in da Vinci's "Annunciation" (5)11ANetwork that lost the Oscar broadcast rights to YouTube, starting in 2029 [1-3] (3)12AAirline with a mega-hub in Atlanta [4-5] (5)13A___ before beauty (3)15AOpenly gay (3)16ASoothing ointment [12-13] (4)18A"Ain't gonna happen" [14-16] (4)19AWintertime hanger-on (6)21ASpot for a bath (3)22AVideo game pioneer that created Pong (5)26A___ Feiner, sports handicapper/media personality [19-21] (3)27AGerman-made "hippie-mobile," for short [22-23] (5)28A"Quit ___ yappin'!" (3)29AOn the open ocean (5)

Down

1D___ carte (3)2DCertain red wine, informally (3)3DKing Arthur's magical sword (9)4DLessen in brightness (4)5D41 – 23 – 17 = ? (3)6DBig name in coolers (5)7DAbate (5)8DChalkboard material (5)14DMaker of the Sierra and Canyon pickup trucks (3)16DReally small, informally (5)17DLess than 90°, as an angle (5)18DValue on a cereal box label: Abbr. (5)20DThe floor is ___ (kids' game) (4)23DSit-up muscles (3)24DRegret (3)25D"Patience ___ virtue" (3)

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Frequently asked questions about Abate

What is the answer to Abate?: The answer is Letup (5 letters).
Where did this clue appear?: This clue was last seen in the New York Times Midi on March 31, 2026.
How many letters does the answer to Abate have?: The answer has 5 letters: Letup.

Author

Naitik Mehta

Co-founder

Naitik is a gaming enthusiast who loves solving daily word games and enjoys the friendly competition from time to time. He is the co-founder of Crossword Chef and enjoys thinking about how to make crossword solving more fun for everyone around the world.