Staring at a blank grid can be frustrating, especially when a specific clue feels like it’s on the tip of your tongue but just won’t materialize. If you are stuck on the New York Times crossword clue “Like a temporary committee,” you aren’t alone. This specific phrasing often trips up solvers because it requires translating a bureaucratic definition into a concise Latin phrase.
Whether you are tackling the daily NYT Mini or a full-sized Sunday puzzle, we have the answer you need, along with a deep dive into why this answer fits and how to spot similar clues in the future.
Table of Contents
Like a Temporary Committee NYT Crossword Clue:
The Answer to “Like a Temporary Committee” NYT
The answer to the crossword clue “Like a temporary committee” is ADHOC.
- Answer: ADHOC (5 Letters)
- Alternative Answers (less common): SELECT (6 letters), INTERIM (7 letters)
In the vast majority of NYT puzzles, particularly the Mini Crossword, the five-letter answer ADHOC is the correct solution.
Why “Ad Hoc” Fits the Clue?
Understanding why an answer is correct is just as important as getting the letters right. In the world of crosswords, the phrasing of the clue dictates the part of speech of the answer.
The Definition
The phrase “Ad hoc” is Latin for “for this.” In English, it is used as an adjective to describe something formed or used for specific or immediate problems or needs. Unlike a “standing committee” which is permanent, an ad hoc committee is temporary assembled to handle a single issue and dissolved once the job is done.
The Grammar of the Clue
Notice the clue starts with “Like a…”? This is a signal from the puzzle editor (often Will Shortz or Joel Fagliano) that the answer must be an adjective.
- Clue: “Like a temporary committee”
- Answer: “Ad hoc” (e.g., “This is an ad hoc decision.”)
If the clue had been “A temporary committee,” the answer might have been a noun like TASKFORCE. But because it asks what the committee is like, “Ad Hoc” is the perfect fit.
Solver Tip: Whenever you see “Like a…” in a clue, substitute your potential answer into a sentence to see if it makes grammatical sense.
Deep Dive: What Does “Ad Hoc” Actually Mean?
While ADHOC is a common crossword filler (or “crosswordese”) due to its useful vowel-consonant structure, the concept is vital in business and government.
Ad Hoc vs. Standing Committees
In parliamentary procedure, there are two main types of committees:
- Standing Committee: A permanent group that meets regularly (e.g., the Senate Finance Committee).
- Ad Hoc Committee: A temporary group created for a single purpose (e.g., a committee to plan the office holiday party).
Synonyms You Might See in Crosswords
Semantic SEO isn’t just for search engines; it helps crossword solvers, too. If “ADHOC” doesn’t fit your grid, check these synonyms:
- PROTEM: Short for pro tempore (for the time being).
- INTERIM: The intervening time.
- SPECIAL: Often used interchangeably with “select” or “ad hoc” committees.
- SELECT: As in a “Select Committee” (usually temporary).
Strategies for Solving Tricky NYT Clues
Solving the New York Times crossword is a skill that improves with pattern recognition. Here is how to tackle clues similar to “Like a temporary committee.”
1. Analyze the Letter Count
The NYT Mini often relies on 4, 5, or 6-letter words. “Ad hoc” (5 letters) is a gold standard for these smaller grids. If you have a 6-letter slot, reconsider SELECT.
2. Look for “Crosswordese”
Short, vowel-heavy words are the glue that holds a puzzle together. Words like ALOE, ARIA, ERE, and ADHOC appear frequently because they help constructors connect harder words. Memorizing these “repeaters” can boost your solving speed significantly.
3. Use the “Crosses”
If you aren’t 100% sure if the answer is ADHOC or SELECT, look at the crossing Down clues.
- Does the second letter match? (D vs. E)
- Does the last letter match? (C vs. T)
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The Evolution of NYT Clues:
The New York Times puzzle has evolved significantly under different editors. In the past, a clue might have simply read “Temporary.” Today, clues are more conversational and “problem-aware.”
“Like a temporary committee” is a modern style of cluing that requires you to bridge the gap between a real-world scenario (a committee meeting) and a linguistic term (Latin). This shift makes the puzzle more engaging but also slightly more difficult for beginners.
Common NYT Crossword Themes Related to Business:
Business and organizational terms are frequent flyers in the NYT crossword. If you mastered ADHOC, keep an eye out for these related terms:
- AGM: Annual General Meeting.
- CEO/CFO: C-Suite executives.
- IPO: Initial Public Offering.
- ASSET: Something of value.
Conclusion: Mastering the Grid
The answer to “Like a temporary committee” in the NYT crossword is almost certainly ADHOC. This Latin phrase perfectly captures the transient, single-purpose nature of such a group.
Next time you encounter a clue starting with “Like a…” remember to look for an adjective, and don’t be afraid to pencil in those common Latin phrases. Crosswords are a game of momentum once you crack one tricky clue, the rest of the grid often falls into place.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a temporary committee called?
A temporary committee is most formally called an ad hoc committee. It may also be referred to as a select committee, task force, or special committee, depending on the organization.
Is “Adhoc” one word or two?
In standard English grammar, it is two words: ad hoc. However, in crossword puzzles, spaces are ignored, so it is entered as the five-letter string ADHOC.
What does “Ad Hoc” mean literally?
“Ad hoc” is a Latin phrase that literally translates to “for this.” It implies that something was created for a specific, immediate purpose rather than for general usage.
Why is “Ad Hoc” such a common crossword answer?
ADHOC is popular in crosswords because it contains common letters (A, O, C) and creates a useful letter pattern for constructors to build around. Its definition is also precise, making it easy to clue in various ways.
