Org. in the "Close Encounter" sketches Crossword Clue

We have the 3-letter answer for Org. in the "Close Encounter" sketches crossword clue, last seen in the NYT Special Crossword September 1, 2026 puzzle. Let us help you solve the crossword clue that has you stumped so you can finish the puzzle.

Org. in the "Close Encounter" sketches Crossword Answer

→41.

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Helpful Hints

(noun)
1. the United States cryptologic organization that coordinates and directs highly specialized activities to protect United States information systems and to produce foreign intelligence information

Hint 2: Clue Definitions

ENCOUNTER (verb)
1. contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle
2. come upon, as if by accident; meet with
ENCOUNTER (noun)
1. a casual meeting with a person or thing
2. a hostile disagreement face-to-face
CLOSE (verb)
1. cease to operate or cause to cease operating
2. come to a close
CLOSE (adjective)
1. not far distant in time or space or degree or circumstances
2. of textiles
CLOSE (adverb)
1. near in time or place or relationship
2. in an attentive manner
CLOSE (noun)
1. the last section of a communication
2. the temporal end; the concluding time

More NYT Special Crossword (9/1/2026) Answers

Across

1. The "L" of "S.N.L."

5. Having no talent for

10. Lawyer from Temecula who vigorously cuts her extra-extra-well-done steak and says "Cook MY meat!"

14. Headed to penalty kicks, say, for short

15. One-named singer who was a two-time musical guest and one-time host

16. Treats, as a sprained ankle

17. Foots the bill

18. Recurring sketch featuring a verklempt Linda Richman

20. 401(k) alternative, in brief

21. Legal wrong

22. Number of "S.N.L." seasons for Aidy Bryant

23. "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and ___ it, people like me!": Stuart Smalley

25. Name before Short or after Steve in the "S.N.L." annals

28. Commit a faux pas that requires a bleep

29. Common premise for a sketch

32. "Weekend Update" anchor with Amy

33. Abbr. on a business card

35. Do a step in origami

37. "OMG that sketch was hilarious"

38. "I've got a fevah! And the only prescription is ___!": Bruce Dickinson

43. Birthplace of Jason Momoa

44. Card that might be "in the hole"

45. Items sold to deter unwanted flirtations, in an "S.N.L." commercial

47. Pummel, as with tomatoes

49. "Stop!," to a pirate

53. 'That's the ___!'

55. "I like to kick, and stretch, and kick! ___!": Sally O'Malley

57. Become black and mushy, maybe

58. Ammo in a food fight

59. Genre for an iconic Natalie Portman music video

60. Recurring sketch with the catchphrase "Well, isn't that special?!"

64. Actress Curtin or Wickline

65. Body part pumped by Farley in "The Chris Farley Show"

66. Go off-script

67. Website for film buffs

68. 1960s protest singer Phil

69. Role for Bowen Yang in a "Weekend Update" interview in which he announces he's dating the helicopter from "Succession"

70. Aftermath of a visit from Massive Head Wound Harry

All Answers

Down

1. Fatty compounds

2. Lined up neatly

3. "The Last ___ of the Starship Enterprise," 12-minute sketch in which John Belushi plays Captain Kirk

4. The Coneheads, e.g., in brief

5. Breakfast side with a smoky aroma

6. Beloved, like Gilda Radner or Bill Hader

7. Adroit

8. Sitcom title character from the planet Melmac

9. Garment iconically worn by Wayne or Garth

10. Some soda purchases

11. "Yeah, that's pretty obvious"

12. Fleur de ___ (French seasoning)

13. Say "What up with that?," say

19. Host's texted question to a late guest

21. Spanish bullfighter

24. Cat, in Spanish

25. Word before toast or after peach

26. Who am __ judge?

27. Org. for the Montreal Canadiens

30. Run ___ of (violate)

31. Reason to call AAA

34. Jumped

36. Jitter-free lattes

38. Platonic admiration for a fellow dude

39. "Weekend Update" anchor with Jost

40. Big name in blue jeans

41. Wacky sort, like many a Kristen Wiig character

42. ___ Lanka

46. Hybrid garments for some tennis players

48. Connected with

50. Steep-roofed home named for its shape

51. Farmers market array

52. People with laid-back personalities

54. "Yada, yada, yada"

56. Wishy-washy reply

58. ___ Alto, Calif.

60. Corporate money manager, in brief

61. Comedic sound effect from a drunk character

62. Possessed

63. Pres. or P.M., e.g.

64. Downey who is the longest tenured writer for "S.N.L." (30-plus seasons)

All Answers