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centerpiece of the hobbit nyt

The New York Times crossword clue “centerpiece of ‘The Hobbit’” is answered with QUEST.

What the clue means

  • In crossword terms, “centerpiece” usually means the central or most important element of a story or theme.
  • The Hobbit is fundamentally a quest narrative: Bilbo’s journey with the dwarves to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and its treasure.

Why “QUEST” fits so well

  • It’s 5 letters, matching the puzzle’s required length for this clue.
  • The whole plot revolves around a dangerous journey, a clear example of a classic literary quest.
  • Crossword archives and solver databases list “QUEST” as the official NYT answer for the December 17, 2025 puzzle.

Mini fact list

  • Clue: “Centerpiece of ‘The Hobbit’” (NYT, Dec 17, 2025).
  • Answer: QUEST.
  • Part of speech: Noun, meaning a central mission or long, adventurous search.

TL;DR: If you’re filling in the NYT crossword, write in QUEST for “centerpiece of ‘The Hobbit.’”

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