One "N" of CNN (4) - Crossword Clue
Answer: NEWS
The clue “One ‘N’ of CNN (4)” points to part of the full name behind the abbreviation CNN — Cable News Network. Quotation marks around 'N' flag that you should take one of the words that start with an N in that name. Since NEWS is one of those words and it has four letters (matching the enumeration), NEWS is the natural answer: it’s literally one “N” in Cable News Network.
Understanding the Clue Structure
Crossword clues in the NYT often use abbreviation breakdowns or wordplay referencing well-known initials:
- CNN expands to Cable News Network.
- Of the two “N”s, the middle one is explicitly News.
- Since the clue specifies one “N”, the solver isolates that element to arrive at NEWS.
This clue is straightforward, rewarding general knowledge of world media, while also testing the solver’s ability to deconstruct an acronym.
Related Terms and Synonyms
- News: Information, reports, journalism, headlines, broadcasts.
- Media-related LSI terms: journalism, press, information, communication, reporting, coverage.
- Synonyms of News: current events, reportage, bulletins, information updates.
- In crossword grids, news is often clued with references to “press,” “report,” “coverage,” or “bulletins.”
Tips for Crossword Solvers
- Watch for acronyms: If a clue references an abbreviation (e.g., CNN, NYT, NATO), try expanding it before solving.
- Pay close attention to the letter count given in parentheses. Here, the four-letter requirement rules out Network but fits News.
- When a clue uses wording like “one of,” it often means breaking down words or acronyms, rather than the entire phrase.
One "N" of CNN NYT - FAQS
Q: Why isn’t the answer ‘Network’?
A: Because “Network” has seven letters, but the clue specifies four.
Q: Are acronym-based clues common in the NYT crossword?
A: Yes, especially with cultural and media references, since solvers are expected to recognize famous abbreviations.
Q: What makes this clue effective?
A: Its simplicity. It combines cultural knowledge (CNN’s full name) with word count logic, a hallmark of clean crossword design.
