Neatnik’s bane WSJ Crossword Clue

By Narcissa Kh /

Crossword Answer

1 ? M
2 ? E
3 ? S
4 ? S
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      Hint 1

      hint
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      What chaos looks like to someone who loves order?

      Hint 2

      meaning
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      A disordered or untidy state.

      Hint 3

      explanation
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      A 'neatnik' is someone who is obsessively tidy and organized. The word 'bane' refers to something that causes distress or annoyance. Therefore, a '????' is the bane of a neatnik because it disrupts their sense of order.

      Hint 4

      another clue
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      Decluttering challenge, Total pigsty, Army meal, Challenge for a fastidious person, State of a playroom, often

      Clue Analysis

      The clue “Neatnik’s bane” is a classic crossword staple, frequently appearing in puzzles like the WSJ crossword. For the puzzle dated September 9 2025, the definitive 4-letter answer is: MESS.

      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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      Neatnik’s bane Crossword Clue