Plant deeply NYT crossword clue

The answer to the clue “Plant deeply” is *embed*. This word is often used to describe the act of placing something firmly and securely into a surrounding mass, much like planting an object deeply into soil or another material. It can apply to both literal and figurative contexts, such as embedding a seed in the ground or embedding an idea in someone’s mind.

In the crossword context, “plant” is used metaphorically, and “deeply” signals a strong or thorough insertion. *Embed* fits perfectly as it captures the sense of setting something in place in a way that it becomes firmly lodged or surrounded, which is exactly what the clue is hinting at.