Using few words effectively

Published by Naitik Mehta · March 8, 2026

Stuck on the clue Using few words effectively from the New York Times Mini for March 8, 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

Using few words effectively (5)

Answer

The answer to Using few words effectively is Pithy (5 letters).

Why does Pithy fit this clue?

This is a direct definition clue where the full phrase 'Using few words effectively' points straight to PITHY. Pithy describes language or speech that is brief, forceful, and full of meaning, packing a lot of substance into very few words. A pithy remark cuts right to the point without any filler or padding. The word comes from 'pith,' the soft spongy core of a plant stem, which was long used as a metaphor for the essential, concentrated heart of something, so pithy speech carries the core idea with nothing wasted around it.

What does Using few words effectively mean?

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

effectively

adverb

•in a way that produces a desired result or achieves success

Where did this clue appear?

This clue appeared as 7-across in the New York Times Mini on March 8, 2026, by Joel Fagliano. See all answers for this puzzle.

NYT Mini — Mar 8, 2026

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What does Pithy mean?

adjective

•Concise and meaningful.

•Of, like, or abounding in pith.

Origin of the word Pithy

•origin: Old English 'pitha' meaning marrow or sap

•period: Old English (before 12th century)

The word originally referred to the soft spongy tissue in plant stems before evolving metaphorically to describe speech or writing that contains the essential 'marrow' or substance.

How to use Pithy in a sentence

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

•“The professor's pithy feedback on student papers was always more helpful than lengthy critiques.”

•“Churchill was known for his pithy observations about politics and human nature.”

•“Her pithy one-liners during the presentation kept the audience engaged and entertained.”

Learn about related clues

All clues from the New York Times Mini, Mar 8, 2026 crossword

The New York Times Mini for March 8, 2026 was published by Joel Fagliano and has 10 clues. Curious about all the answers from this crossword puzzle? View all answers here.

Across

1AChew on that! (3)4ALike clothes in the hamper (5)6ALate time to stay up on a weekday (5)7AUsing few words effectively (5)8ATraffic increases it, for short (3)

Down

1DClimate activist Thunberg (5)2DHome to Capitol Reef National Park, which surprisingly is not by the ocean (4)3DRepeated exclamation (4)4DFreakin' awesome (4)5DRolling ___ (super rich) (4)

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Frequently asked questions about Using few words effectively

What is the answer to Using few words effectively?: The answer is Pithy (5 letters).
Where did this clue appear?: This clue was last seen in the New York Times Mini on March 8, 2026.
How many letters does the answer to Using few words effectively have?: The answer has 5 letters: Pithy.

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.