One who might thrive in a banana republic? crossword clue
26 Down · WSJ Crossword, July 20, 2026 · 3 letters
Explanation
The answer to “One who might thrive in a banana republic?” is APE. It appears as 26 Down in the Wall Street Journal crossword of July 20, 2026, a Monday puzzle titled “Hold On!” by Daniel Hrynick, and it fills 3 squares running top to bottom from row 5, column 14 of the 15×15 grid.
The question mark at the end of the clue signals wordplay: the surface reading is a misdirection, and the answer fits a punning or figurative sense of the words. The entry begins with A and ends with E, and contains 2 vowels and 1 consonant. If you are working from the crossings, two or three confirmed letters from the Across entries should be enough to lock it in. Monday puzzles are the most approachable of the week, so expect the rest of this grid to be pitched at the same level.
Past appearances
Clues in other WSJ puzzles with the answer APE:
- Bonobo, e.g.Jul 31, 2026
- Bonobo, e.g.Jul 1, 2026
- LoutJun 3, 2026
- Big bruteMay 21, 2026