The New York Times crossword clue “Slope,” most recently used in the main NYT crossword on October 22, 2025, has the answer RISE (4 letters).

Most common NYT answers

When the clue is exactly “Slope” in recent NYT puzzles, the main modern answer you’ll want to try is:

• RISE (4)

Other short answers that sometimes appear for “Slope” or closely related NYT clues include:

• TILT (4)

• RAMP (4), especially for clues like “Slope up or down”

• SLANT (5)

If your pattern is different

If your grid is not 4 letters or RISE doesn’t fit, consider these, depending on crosses:

• GRADIENT (8)
• INCLINE (7)
• GRADE (5)
• BANK (4)

For a current puzzle you’re solving, match:

• Letter count and any known letters from crosses
• The clue’s wording (plain “Slope” vs. “Slope up or down,” “Highland slope,” etc.), since that can push the answer toward RAMP, BRAE, or another specific term.