Stickler for military discipline
Published by Naitik Mehta · March 29, 2026
Stuck on the clue Stickler for military discipline from the New York Times Daily for March 29, 2026? We have the correct 8-letter answer, including the definition, alternative hints, as well as other answers from the same crossword. Ready to learn more about this clue?
Clue
Stickler for military discipline (8)
Answer
The answer to Stickler for military discipline is Martinet (8 letters).
In the NYT "Roundabouts" Sunday puzzle (March 29, 2026), this entry pairs with 37A "Convenience store" (MART) — together their cells spell MARTINET, a strict disciplinarian. This row holds the NET suffix. The theme path turns 90° through a "roundabout" cell between the two clue numbers.
Why does Martinet fit this clue?
This clue works as a direct definition pointing to MARTINET, meaning a strict disciplinarian who demands exact conformity to rules. A martinet is someone who enforces rigid adherence to regulations, particularly in military or institutional settings. The word comes from Jean Martinet, a 17th-century French army officer who developed new drill techniques and imposed harsh discipline on soldiers under Louis XIV. In this Sunday puzzle's roundabout theme, MARTINET connects with the crossing entry MART through a shared turning cell, demonstrating how themed entries can weave through the grid while maintaining their individual definitions.
What does Stickler for military discipline mean?
We break down each word in the clue and show its dictionary definitions below.
stickler
noun
•a person who insists on a certain quality or type of behavior
•someone who is very strict about rules or standards
military
adjective
•relating to armed forces or warfare
discipline
noun
•training that enforces obedience and order
•strict control over behavior and conduct
Where did this clue appear?
This clue appeared as 40-across in the New York Times Daily on March 29, 2026, by Michael and Oliver Schlossberg, edited by Will Shortz. See all answers for this puzzle.
Read the NYT Wordplay column for this puzzle.
NYT Daily — Mar 29, 2026
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What does Martinet mean?
noun
•A strict disciplinarian.
•Anyone who lays stress on a rigid adherence to the details of discipline, or to forms and fixed methods or rules.
•A martin; a swift.
Origin of the word Martinet
•origin: French surname Martinet, after Jean Martinet
•period: 17th century
The word comes from Jean Martinet, a French military officer under Louis XIV who was known for his extremely strict discipline and rigid enforcement of military regulations.
How to use Martinet in a sentence
Here are 3 examples of how to use the word Martinet.
•“The drill sergeant was such a martinet that he made recruits redo their bed-making until the corners were perfectly squared.”
•“Our new manager turned out to be a real martinet who insisted that all emails follow precise formatting guidelines.”
•“The strict piano teacher was known as a martinet who would stop students mid-piece if they hit even one wrong note.”
Learn about related clues
All clues from the New York Times Daily, Mar 29, 2026 crossword
The New York Times Daily for March 29, 2026 titled “Roundabouts” was published by Michael and Oliver Schlossberg and has 140 clues. Curious about all the answers from this crossword puzzle? View all answers here.
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Frequently asked questions about Stickler for military discipline
- What is the answer to Stickler for military discipline?
- The answer is Martinet (8 letters).
- Where did this clue appear?
- This clue was last seen in the New York Times Daily on March 29, 2026.
- How many letters does the answer to Stickler for military discipline have?
- The answer has 8 letters: Martinet.
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.
Puzzle
NYT Daily — Mar 29, 2026
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provider
editor
Will Shortz
date
position
40 Across
answer length
8 letters