It is in the dictionary now, despite a jocular saying WSJ Crossword Clue

By Narcissa Kh /

Crossword Answer

1 ? A
2 ? I
3 ? N
4 ? T
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Your Answer 4 Letter
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      Hint 1

      hint
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      Once frowned upon, this word now finds a home among definitions.

      Hint 2

      meaning
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      ???? is an informal contraction for 'am not,' 'is not,' 'are not,' 'has not,' or 'have not.'

      Hint 3

      explanation
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      The clue refers to the phrase '???? ???? in the dictionary,' which was a common saying used to imply that '????' is not a proper word. However, '????' has been included in dictionaries despite its informal status, making the saying outdated.

      Hint 4

      another clue
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      Isn't wrong?, “___ No Way” (Aretha Franklin song), Isn’t informal?, "Say it ___ so!", "It ___ easy"

      Clue Analysis

      The clue “It is in the dictionary now, despite a jocular saying” is a classic crossword staple, frequently appearing in puzzles like the WSJ crossword. For the puzzle dated December 22 2025, the definitive 4-letter answer is: AINT.

      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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      It is in the dictionary now, despite a jocular saying Crossword Clue