“Compound that ripens bananas” crossword clue
Answer
E
T
H
E
N
E
••••••ETHENE
Reveal the answer to see why it works and where this clue has appeared before.ETHENE is the answer to the New York Times crossword clue “Compound that ripens bananas”. It was last seen in the puzzle of January 11, 2026, where it runs at 84 Across and fills 6 squares. It crosses 6 other entries in that grid — those are listed below and are the quickest way to confirm the letters you already have.
Crossing entries
Jan 11, 2026 grid38DPrank of doorbell ringing and running9 ltrs›47DMake an enemy of8 ltrs›48DIdentifies digitally?8 ltrs›75D"You've gotta be kidding!"6 ltrs›80DMononymous singer who popularized "New Celtic" music4 ltrs›85DBirth name of Che Guevara7 ltrs›
More clues from this puzzle
Jan 11, 20261ATennis superstar Nadal, familiarly4 ltrs›5A"Wicked" director Jon M. ___3 ltrs›8AUnspecified degree3 ltrs›11APack (down)4 ltrs›15A"Sign me up!"4 ltrs›16ABygone carrier that had a fleet of "Clippers"5 ltrs›19AReally like5 ltrs›21AWoodwind related to the cor anglais4 ltrs›
Back to the full Jan 11, 2026 answer list, or browse the puzzle archive.