Tough-but-loving fathers, informally NYT Crossword Clue

By Emre Parlak Date: FEB 17, 2026 Follow on Google

Crossword Answer

Click ? to reveal letters one by one before showing the full answer.

Need a Hint? Try Solving It Yourself First

Use our Hints & Tips to uncover the answer.

Hint 1

hint

Hint 2

meaning

Hint 3

explanation

Q1.

What is the most likely answer for the crossword clue "Tough-but-loving fathers, informally"?

The most common and recent 9-letter answer for "Tough-but-loving fathers, informally" is PAPABEARS.

Q2.

Why is "PAPABEARS" the answer to the clue "Tough-but-loving fathers, informally"?

The term 'PAPA BEARS' is an informal way to describe fathers who are protective and caring, much like the character Papa Bear from the 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears' story. The phrase combines 'papa,' a colloquial term for father, with 'bears,' suggesting strength and a nurturing nature.

Q3.

In which puzzle was the clue "Tough-but-loving fathers, informally" last seen?

This clue was last seen in the NYT Crossword on February 17, 2026.

Q4.

What does the word "PAPABEARS" mean in this context?

Papa Bears are affectionate, protective fathers known for their strength and care.

The 9-letter answer to “Tough-but-loving fathers, informally” in the NYT Crossword February 17 2026 is PAPABEARS.

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!

Do not forget to dive into our FAQ section, where we explain the “why” behind the answer and track its history in previous puzzles. It is the perfect way to sharpen your crossword skills!

Finished today’s crossword already? Check this link for upcoming puzzles: NYT Crossword Answers Today (September 2026)

You can start solving clues on the official New York Times website, as well as on its mobile apps. Simply install the app on your Android or iOS device. The direct download links are below:

Get It on Google Play Store (Android)
Get It on App Store (iOS)
Play Online on NYT Website