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Daily Newsday Crossword

“Already in use”

The verified answer to the Newsday Crossword clue “Already in use”, with letter-by-letter analysis and the full puzzle context for the Wednesday, January 21, 2026 puzzle.

Published · Across · 5 letters

Hints first

Letters 5
First letter T
Last letter N
T ? ? ? N

A 5-letter across entry from the Wednesday puzzle

The Answer

T A K E N

The answer to “Already in use” is TAKEN

Letters 5
Direction Across
Published Jan 21, 2026

Letter analysis: the 5-letter answer

Vowels, consonants, and crossword construction notes
Unique 5 of 5 positions
Vowels 2 40% of word
Consonants 3 non-vowels
First letter T starts with

The clue “Already in use” appeared in the Newsday Crossword on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 as a across entry. The verified answer is TAKEN — a 5-letter word that begins with T and ends with N.

This answer contains 2 vowels and 3 consonants. The Newsday Crossword is published daily by Newsday on Long Island and edited by Stan Newman, whose Saturday Stumper is widely considered one of the toughest mainstream crosswords in print.

Other clues with the answer TAKEN

TAKEN has been used as the answer for these Newsday Crossword clues
“Occupied, as a seat” May 11, 2026 “Unavailable, as a chair” Apr 8, 2026 “Occupied, as a seat” Sep 8, 2025

More clues from the January 21, 2026 puzzle

Wednesday Newsday Crossword
View full puzzle
Nearly colorless 4 ℓ · D Cut the grass 3 ℓ · D Scored 100% on 4 ℓ · D Ringo of the Beatles 5 ℓ · D Coiled brass instruments 11 ℓ · D Stately house 5 ℓ · A Ship's distress signal 3 ℓ · D Pester persistently 3 ℓ · D Astaire or Flintstone 4 ℓ · A Offer used goods 6 ℓ · D Handed out poker cards 5 ℓ · D Airplane-tracking device 5 ℓ · D Mineral that's mined 3 ℓ · D "I get it now!" 3 ℓ · D Resorts with hot springs 4 ℓ · A Bert's Sesame Street buddy 5 ℓ · D Spoke hoarsely 6 ℓ · D Highly decorated 6 ℓ · A CD-__ drive 3 ℓ · D Hunts, as a lion, with "on" 5 ℓ · A

Frequently asked questions about “Already in use”

What is the answer to “Already in use” in the Newsday Crossword?

The verified answer is TAKEN — a 5-letter word that appeared as a across entry on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

How many letters is the answer to “Already in use”?

The answer TAKEN contains 5 letters.

Was “Already in use” an across or down clue?

This clue ran as a Across entry.

Is this site affiliated with Newsday?

No. This is an independent fan reference site — we are not affiliated with Newsday. The Newsday Crossword is a trademark of its respective owner. We solve and verify each Newsday Crossword puzzle manually before publishing the answer key.

Already in use — Newsday Crossword Clue Answer | Newsday Crossword Answers