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In ___ of (instead of) WSJ Crossword Clue

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Clue

The most common and recent 4-letter answer for "In ___ of (instead of)" is LIEU.
The phrase 'in lieu of' is a common expression meaning 'instead of.' The word 'lieu' is derived from the French word for 'place,' indicating a substitution or replacement.
This clue was last seen in the WSJ Crossword on November 17, 2025.
Lieu means 'place' or 'stead,' often used to indicate substitution.
Place, In ___ of, "In ___ of gifts ...", Stead, In ___ of (substituting for)

The clue “In ___ of (instead of)” is a classic crossword staple, frequently appearing in puzzles like the WSJ crossword. For the puzzle dated November 17 2025, the definitive 4-letter answer is: LIEU.

Expert Tip: When you’re stuck, try to analyze the structure of the clue itself. Is it a direct definition, a pun, a fill-in-the-blank, or a pop culture reference? Identifying the type of clue you’re dealing with is a key skill for improving your solving speed.

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