“Cabal” is a short clue that can trip up solvers because it has several possible answers. In the New York Times crossword, the answer depends on the letter count and the crossing words.
Quick answer: In the NYT Crossword on May 9, 2024, the answer to “Cabal” was RING (4 letters). Other common answers are CLIQUE (6 letters) and FACTION (7 letters).
Cabal Crossword Answers
| Answer | Letters | Where it has appeared |
|---|---|---|
| RING | 4 | NYT Crossword, May 9, 2024 |
| CLIQUE | 6 | The Guardian Quick Crossword, July 4, 2024 |
| FACTION | 7 | A common alternative answer |
| PLOT | 4 | Possible when the clue means a secret scheme |
| JUNTA | 5 | Possible when the clue points to a political group |
The NYT appearance and the CLIQUE answer are listed by Try Hard Guides. Following the steps below helps you pick the right answer when several words could fit.
What Does “Cabal” Mean?
A cabal is a small group of people who work together in secret, usually to gain power or influence in politics or another organization. The word suggests secrecy, scheming, and conspiracy.
As a verb, “to cabal” means to plot or conspire.
Synonyms: ring, clique, faction, plot, scheme, junta, coterie, camp, conspiracy.
Where Does the Word “Cabal” Come From?
According to Wikipedia, “cabal” comes from Kabbalah, a Jewish mystical tradition. It reached English through the French cabale and the medieval Latin cabbala, and came to mean secret doctrine and, later, a secret political group.
A famous coincidence: In 1668, King Charles II’s leading ministers were Clifford, Arlington, Buckingham, Ashley, and Lauderdale. Their initials spell CABAL. Many people think the word comes from this group, but that’s a folk etymology. The word was already in use in English earlier in the 17th century. The coincidence probably helped make it popular.
Older versions of this article said the word dates to the late 17th century. In fact, it was used in English earlier in that century.
How to Solve the “Cabal” Clue
- Count the squares. Four letters points to RING or PLOT, six to CLIQUE, and seven to FACTION.
- Fill in crossing words. A single confirmed letter can rule out most options.
- Think about the day. NYT puzzles get harder clues as the week goes on, so a Saturday “Cabal” clue may have a less obvious answer.
- Check for a verb. If the clue reads as an action, such as “Cabal (with),” try CONSPIRE or PLOT.
Is “Cabal” a Misleading Clue?
Not really, but it’s flexible. Crossword setters like it because it’s short and has many synonyms. The tricky part is choosing between answers with the same length, such as RING and PLOT. The crossings always decide.
Similar Clues You May See
| Clue | Possible answers |
|---|---|
| Secret group | RING, CABAL, CLIQUE |
| Group of plotters | CABAL, RING, JUNTA |
| Political faction | BLOC, WING, CAMP |
| Exclusive circle | CLIQUE, COTERIE |
More NYT Crossword Clue Guides
- Powdery Mineral NYT Crossword Clue
- Initial Poker Payment NYT
- Three on a Grandfather Clock NYT
- Cacophonous Clatter NYT
FAQs
What is the answer to “Cabal” in the NYT crossword?
In the NYT Crossword on May 9, 2024, the answer was RING.
What is a 6-letter answer for “Cabal”?
CLIQUE.
What is a 7-letter answer for “Cabal”?
FACTION.
What is a 5-letter answer for “Cabal”?
JUNTA can fit, depending on the crossing letters.
Does “cabal” come from the names of Charles II’s ministers?
No. The ministers’ initials spelled CABAL, but the word was already in use. It comes from Kabbalah.
Conclusion
When you see “Cabal” in a crossword, start with the letter count. RING is the NYT answer from May 9, 2024, while CLIQUE and FACTION fit longer grids. Let your crossing words confirm the final answer.
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This article is independent and isn’t affiliated with The New York Times. Crossword answers can vary by puzzle, so check the letter count and crossing words.
