If the NYT crossword clue “The X-Men, e.g.” had you thinking “superheroes” or “comic book crew,” you’re warm—but not quite there. This clue wants something a little more biological, a little more textbook X-Men origin story.
Let’s dig in.
Clue Breakdown
This is one of those “category” clues—asking not what the X-Men do, but what they are. The phrase “e.g.” (for example) hints that the answer should be a broader group that describes the X-Men specifically.
And if you know your Marvel lore, you know the X-Men aren’t just heroes—they’re mutants.
Common Misfires
- Heroes – True, but too generic.
- Xmen – Just restating the clue.
- Aliens – Nope. These folks are Earth-born.
- Avengers – Different franchise, different function.
These guesses either miss the biology or the NYT-style precision.
✅ Correct Answer: MUTANTS
Bingo. MUTANTS is the spot-on answer.
In the Marvel universe, the X-Men are born with the “X-gene,” which mutates their DNA and gives them their powers—telepathy, metal claws, teleportation, you name it. So they aren’t just superheroes—they’re scientifically classified as mutants in the comic book canon.
Why “MUTANTS” Works
- Literal accuracy: It’s the X-Men’s defining trait.
- 7 letters: Perfect for the grid.
- Nerd-verified: Comic fans and crossword solvers alike can agree—it’s textbook Marvel.
Other Words:
