Big name in fabric softener

Published by Naitik Mehta · March 30, 2026

Stuck on the clue Big name in fabric softener from the New York Times Midi for March 30, 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

Big name in fabric softener (5)

Answer

D
O
W
N
Y

The answer to Big name in fabric softener is Downy (5 letters).

Why does Downy fit this clue?

This is a straightforward brand-name clue where 'Big name in fabric softener' points directly to DOWNY. Downy is a major fabric softener brand owned by Procter & Gamble, widely recognized for its blue bottles and bear mascot in television commercials. The phrase 'big name' indicates a well-known brand rather than a generic term, and Downy has been one of the leading fabric softener brands in North America since its introduction in 1960. The brand name itself evokes the soft, fluffy texture that fabric softeners are designed to create in clothing and linens.

What does Big name in fabric softener mean?

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

fabric softener

noun

•a liquid product added to laundry to make clothes feel softer and reduce static

Where did this clue appear?

This clue appeared as 8-down in the New York Times Midi on March 30, 2026, by Aaron Gee and Avery Gee Katz, edited by Ian Livengood. See all answers for this puzzle.

NYT Midi — Mar 30, 2026

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What does Downy mean?

adjective

•Having down, covered with a soft fuzzy coating as of small feathers or hair.

•Sharp-witted, perceptive.

noun

•A blanket filled with down; a duvet.

Origin of the word Downy

•origin: Old English 'dun' meaning dull grayish-brown color

•period: Old English

The word evolved from describing a dull color to meaning soft and fluffy like down feathers, with the '-y' suffix added in Middle English to create the adjectival form.

How to use Downy in a sentence

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

•“My mom always uses Downy fabric softener to make our clothes feel extra soft and smell fresh.”

•“The baby chick was covered in downy feathers that felt incredibly soft to the touch.”

•“She ran her fingers along the downy surface of the peach, enjoying its velvety texture.”

Learn about related clues

All clues from the New York Times Midi, Mar 30, 2026 crossword

The New York Times Midi for March 30, 2026 titled “De-tails” was published by Aaron Gee and Avery Gee Katz and has 33 clues. Curious about all the answers from this crossword puzzle? View all answers here.

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Frequently asked questions about Big name in fabric softener

What is the answer to Big name in fabric softener?
The answer is Downy (5 letters).
Where did this clue appear?
This clue was last seen in the New York Times Midi on March 30, 2026.
How many letters does the answer to Big name in fabric softener have?
The answer has 5 letters: Downy.

Author

Naitik Mehta

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.