Compete in a contest that’s lost by blinking NYT Crossword Clue

By Emre Parlak /

Crossword Answer

1 ? S
2 ? T
3 ? A
4 ? R
5 ? E
light icon Hint

Interactive Solver for Compete in a contest that's lost by blinking Crossword Clue

Drag letters from the pool into “Your Answer”, then reorder them to match the solution.

Your Answer 5 Letter
    Current guess:
    Letter Pool
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      Unlock the puzzle's secrets with Daze's progressive hints!

      Hint 1

      hint
      light icon eye-off icon Reveal Hint

      Think of a game where the eyes do all the work, and blinking means defeat.

      Hint 2

      meaning
      light icon eye-off icon Reveal Hint

      To look fixedly at something or someone with eyes wide open.

      Hint 3

      explanation
      light icon eye-off icon Reveal Hint

      The clue uses wordplay to suggest an activity where blinking causes you to lose. In a 'staring contest,' participants try to keep their eyes open without blinking, so '?????' is the correct answer.

      Hint 4

      another clue
      light icon eye-off icon Reveal Hint

      A good Wordle starting word, by the looks of it, Gaze intently, Long look, Extended gaze, Long look

      Clue Analysis

      The 5-letter answer to “Compete in a contest that’s lost by blinking” in the NYT Mini Crossword July 23 2026 is STARE.

      We have got you covered! If you want to test your brain first, use our hint features to reveal letters or have fun with our interactive solver. Otherwise, grab the full answer right here!

      Solving the crossword is a blast, but a little help never hurts! We provide lightning-fast answers every day. You can reveal letters one by one or grab the full answer in a hurry. For a fun challenge, try our interactive solver; it’s a game within a game where you unscramble letters to find the word!

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      At Daze Puzzle, we understand that every clue is a puzzle within a larger puzzle. Our team of dedicated human experts and puzzle lovers solves these challenges daily to help you succeed. Below, we answer common questions about this specific clue.

      Compete in a contest that's lost by blinking Crossword Clue