USA TODAY Crossword · 53-Across · 4 letters
"___ No Mountain High Enough" USA TODAY Crossword clue
Editorially reviewed September 9, 2026
Answer · 4 letters
AIN'T
In the grid: AINT · no spaces
AINT supplies the missing opening of the Motown song title. Write the four letters A I N T: the apostrophe belongs to ordinary prose, not an extra crossword square. A grammatically different contraction that also has four letters would not reproduce the title.
Different crossing letters? Check another fit →An apostrophe does not add a square
The answer is written ain't in ordinary text and AINT in this grid. Removing the apostrophe changes the written format, not the word. ISNT is also four letters, but it represents a different contraction and does not complete the verified song title.
Keep the title's register
Merriam-Webster identifies ain't as an informal contraction with several negative expansions. Its exact expansion depends on the sentence. Here the task is to reproduce a title, not edit it into formal prose: replacing an informal form would change the answer even if the replacement sounded more formal.
References behind this explanation
These references support the meaning or background; they are not publisher endorsements.
Where this clue appeared
53-Across in USA TODAY Crossword puzzle for September 9, 2026.
Browse selected USA TODAY Crossword clues →Related reviewed clues
Solve the next clue here.
Paste another clue, add the letters you trust, and keep solving without returning to search.
This independently written explanation is for learning and clue analysis. Crossword Clue Tutor is not affiliated with or endorsed by USA TODAY Crossword or its publisher.