The questions from today’s “January 24, 2026” on NYT Mini Crossword are a little bit brain teaser. Many people are looking for an answer to it. Here we are sharing answers for clues.
Clue: Decreased in size, as the moon
Answer: WANED
Explanation:
The term “waned” is used to describe the process by which the moon appears to decrease in size as seen from Earth. This occurs during the second half of the lunar cycle, after the full moon phase. The moon waxes, or grows larger, up to the full moon, and then it wanes, or diminishes in visible size, until it reaches the new moon phase. This cyclical pattern is a result of the moon’s orbit around Earth, which causes different portions of its surface to be illuminated by the sun. The word “waned” is often used metaphorically to describe a decrease or decline in other contexts as well, but in the realm of astronomy, it specifically refers to this fascinating natural phenomenon. Understanding the phases of the moon is not just crucial for scientific purposes but also enriches our cultural and historical perspective, as many traditions and calendars are based on lunar cycles.
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