‘C-suite figures’ NYT Mini Crossword clue answer and hints

Not everyone is familiar with the business world, so terms like “C-suite” may be confusing. As these figures are the clue in today’s NYT crossword puzzle, many people are struggling with the answer. But there’s a reason for it.

The clue, “C-suite figures,” is from the Aug. 22 NYT Mini Crossword puzzle, and the answer is an abbreviation, which is why this clue might be challenging.

‘C-suite figures’ NYT Mini Crossword clue hints and answers

• Hint 1: It starts with an “E.”
• Hint 2: It rhymes with complex.
• Hint 3: It contains two E’s.
• Hint 4: It ends with an “S.”

The answer to the “C-suite figures” clue is “EXECS.” Executives, or execs in this case, are typically those who hold high positions in a business or company and make all the major decisions about the future.

All clues and answers to the Aug. 22 NYT Mini Crossword puzzle

Across

• 1A Post made about “pommel horse guy” or “brat summer,” say — MEME
• 5A Late game show host Trebek — ALEX
• 6A Apple product — CIDER
• 8A Food filled with carnitas or carne asada — TACO
• 9A “Anybody___?” — ELSE

Down

• 1D Apple product — MAC
• 2D Best of the best — ELITE
• 3D Olympic prize — MEDAL
• 4D C-suite figures — EXECS
• 7D Caviar, e.g. — ROE

‘C-suite figures’ crossword clue difficulty – rated

I have a business background, so I immediately knew the answer to this clue. Not everyone’s interested in or knows about the inner workings of businesses, though, particularly around C-suites or executives, and even then, the abbreviated version isn’t typically used in a formal business environment.

Due to how confusing this can be, and because there was no indication the answer was an abbreviated word, I’d give this clue a difficulty rating of four out of five.

NYT Mini Crossword alternatives

The LA Times and the Washington Post also offer mini crossword puzzles that are released daily and are great alternatives to the NYT Mini Crossword puzzle. However, if you’d like to try something new, the NYT also offers two word games that are quite fun to play—Strands and Spelling Bee.