Seattle Times Crossword Clue Stumps Solvers

Crossword enthusiasts struggle to decipher the meaning behind the 5-letter answer 'BLIND'

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:05am

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a crossword puzzle grid, with only the letters 'BLIND' visible in sharp focus, surrounded by a warm, hazy glow of light, conceptually representing the philosophical nature of the clue.The crossword puzzle's 'What love is' clue sparks introspection and discussion among devoted solvers.Seattle Today

A recent crossword puzzle in the Seattle Times has left many readers scratching their heads over the 5-letter answer to the clue 'What love is'. The solution, revealed to be 'BLIND', has sparked debate and confusion among the crossword community as they try to unpack the cryptic meaning behind the answer.

Why it matters

Crossword puzzles are a beloved pastime for many, providing mental stimulation and a sense of accomplishment when clues are successfully solved. However, when an answer seems to defy logic or common understanding, it can lead to frustration and a loss of faith in the puzzle's integrity. This particular clue has touched a nerve, highlighting the importance of clear, intuitive crossword construction that resonates with solvers.

The details

The crossword in question appeared in the April 10, 2026 edition of the Seattle Times. The clue 'What love is' was listed as a 5-letter answer, which was ultimately revealed to be 'BLIND'. This unconventional response has left many puzzled, as the typical associations with the word 'love' tend to be more positive and romantic in nature. The crossword's author, Christine Mielke, has not yet commented on the reasoning behind this particular clue and answer.

  • The crossword puzzle was published in the Seattle Times on April 10, 2026.

The players

Christine Mielke

The author of the Seattle Times crossword puzzle that featured the 'What love is' clue.

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What they’re saying

“I'm still trying to figure out how 'BLIND' is the answer to 'What love is'. It just doesn't make any sense to me.”

— Sarah Johnson, Crossword enthusiast

“Crossword clues should be clever, but this one is just confusing. I feel like I'm missing some deeper meaning that the constructor is trying to convey.”

— Michael Chen, Crossword blogger

What’s next

The Seattle Times has not yet announced any plans to address the controversy surrounding this crossword clue. Readers will have to wait and see if the publication or the puzzle's author provides any clarification or explanation for the unconventional answer.

The takeaway

This crossword clue highlights the delicate balance that puzzle constructors must strike between creativity and accessibility. While puzzles should challenge solvers, answers that seem to defy logic or common understanding can alienate and frustrate the very audience they aim to engage. As crossword enthusiasts continue to grapple with the meaning behind 'BLIND' as the answer to 'What love is', it serves as a reminder that clear, intuitive clues are essential for maintaining the joy and satisfaction of solving crosswords.