This clue leans into legislative jargon—but in crossword land, it’s the kind of everyday wordplay that hits like a gavel. “Change, as a bill” sounds formal, but once you crack the vocabulary, it’s smooth sailing.
The Clue: “Change, as a bill”
In legislative terms, “to change a bill” isn’t flipping coins—it’s to revise it during the process before it becomes law. You’re looking for a five-letter verb that fits.
Wrong Guesses That Might Tempt You
- Alter – Close meaning, but not the precise legal term.
- Shift – Kinda generic and not used in bill-passage contexts.
- Draft – That’s drafting the bill, not changing it.
These feel intuitive, yet none hit the exact idiom or grid.
The Correct Answer: AMEND
AMEND is the word you want. It’s the official term lawmakers use when they modify the text of a bill, updating language, adding or deleting sections, or clarifying intent. It’s exactly five letters and courtroom/crucial for crosswords.
Why “AMEND” Works Perfectly
- Proper Length: Five letters, just right.
- Legal Precision: It’s the exact term used in legislative contexts.
- Crossword Favorite: Short, useful, and frequently clued in multiple ways—like “Change, as a will” or “Modify formally.”
Pro Tip for Similar Clues
If you see any clue structured like “Change, as a ___” with a formal or legal context, AMEND should be your first thought. NYT crossword constructors love versatile verbs like this.
Other Words:
