The New York Times Crossword · 23-Down · 6 letters
Environs The New York Times Crossword clue
Editorially reviewed August 19, 2026
Answer
MILIEU
Why MILIEU fits
MILIEU is a French-derived English noun for one’s surroundings or environment, so it directly matches “environs.” Both words can describe the setting around a person or thing.
Clue signal
The clue is a plural-looking noun that can still define the singular collective idea of an environment.
MILIEU meaning
A person’s social, cultural or physical surroundings.
Where this clue appeared
23-Down in The New York Times Crossword puzzle for August 18, 2026.
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