Working on the New York Times Crossword clue “Purchase price”? Below you’ll find hints, a spoiler-protected reveal, and a concise explanation of this straightforward economic clue. For more crossword answers and reasoning breakdowns, visit Clue of the Day.
Hints (no spoilers)
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For more concise clue explanations and word reasoning, visit Clue of the Day.
Why “COST” Fits This Clue
The word COST directly defines the “purchase price” of an item — the amount you must pay to obtain it. It’s a simple, literal clue, with no wordplay or misdirection involved.
In crosswords, “Purchase price” almost always leads to short, exact synonyms such as cost, rate, or fee. Since this clue is phrased without extra hints or puns, COST is the most natural and common fit.
It’s also one of the most crossword-friendly words — short, all common letters, and easily crossed by many other answers.
Strategy: Trust the Literal Reading
Not every crossword clue hides wordplay. When a clue reads like a dictionary definition, the answer is often literal — as in this case, where “purchase price” simply equals COST.