Word after "match" or "mischief"

Published by Naitik Mehta · March 26, 2026

Stuck on the clue Word after "match" or "mischief" from the New York Times Mini for March 26, 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

Word after "match" or "mischief" (5)

Answer

The answer to Word after "match" or "mischief" is Maker (5 letters).

Why does Maker fit this clue?

This is a fill-in-the-blank clue where MAKER completes two common compound words or phrases. A matchmaker is a person who arranges romantic partnerships between others, traditionally playing cupid by introducing compatible singles. A mischief-maker is someone who causes trouble or engages in playful pranks, often stirring up minor chaos or disruption. The word MAKER serves as the second half of both compounds, creating the bridge between the seemingly unrelated concepts of romance and troublemaking.

What does Word after "match" or "mischief" mean?

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

crossword

noun

•a word puzzle with numbered clues and a grid of squares

clue

noun

•a hint or piece of information that helps solve a puzzle

mischief

noun

•playful or minor troublemaking behavior

Where did this clue appear?

This clue appeared as 1-down in the New York Times Mini on March 26, 2026, by Joel Fagliano. See all answers for this puzzle.

NYT Mini — Mar 26, 2026

Get help on the whole puzzle

What does Maker mean?

noun

•Someone who makes; a person or thing that makes or produces something.

•(usually capitalized and preceded by the) God.

Origin of the word Maker

•origin: Old English 'macian' meaning 'to make, construct, create'

•period: Old English (before 1100 CE)

The word evolved from the Proto-Germanic *makōną and is related to similar words in other Germanic languages, originally carrying the sense of fitting or joining things together.

How to use Maker in a sentence

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

•“Sarah's grandmother was known as the neighborhood matchmaker, always trying to set up young couples she thought would be perfect together.”

•“The skilled furniture maker crafted beautiful wooden chairs that were passed down through generations.”

•“The little troublemaker couldn't resist pulling pranks on his classmates, earning him a reputation as quite the mischief maker.”

Learn about related clues

All clues from the New York Times Mini, Mar 26, 2026 crossword

The New York Times Mini for March 26, 2026 was published by Joel Fagliano and has 10 clues. Curious about all the answers from this crossword puzzle? View all answers here.

Across

1ADegrees for boardroom execs (4)5A"___ want for Christmas ..." (4)6AWhat Hamlet holds while giving his "Alas, poor Yorick!" speech (5)7AWild, as an animal (5)8ASphere (3)

Down

1DWord after "match" or "mischief" (5)2DBit of writing on a book jacket (5)3DPenne ___ vodka (4)4DWindow ledge (4)6DBay Area airport, for short (3)

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Frequently asked questions about Word after "match" or "mischief"

What is the answer to Word after "match" or "mischief"?: The answer is Maker (5 letters).
Where did this clue appear?: This clue was last seen in the New York Times Mini on March 26, 2026.
How many letters does the answer to Word after "match" or "mischief" have?: The answer has 5 letters: Maker.

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.