Some crossword clues are so universally appealing that they pop up across multiple puzzle publishers, often with different answers depending on the context. One such interesting and recurring clue is “French goodbye.” This clue has made appearances in several major puzzles, including the Mini NYT Crossword on September 20, 2024 and the WSJ Crossword on April 19, 2025.

While it may seem straightforward at first glance, the clue “French goodbye” can lead to various answers depending on the tone, formality, and letter count required in each puzzle. In this case, too, the answers to the same clue are different. So, what is the proper answer to the French Goodbye NYT Crossword clue? And what answer perfectly fits the clue for the WSJ Crossword?

Let’s find out—

Notable Clue Appearances

Here are two prominent examples where the clue “French goodbye” (or a variation of it) has been used recently, along with the answers and brief explanations:

NYT Mini Crossword – September 20, 2024

  • Clue: French goodbye
  • Answer: ADIEU
  • Explanation: Adieu is a French word that refers to a formal way of saying farewell, especially when someone doesn’t expect to see the other person again for a long time. However, there is another French word, au revoir, which simply means “see you again.” People often confuse these two, but while the first one reflects a formal tone, the second is used in casual conversations.

WSJ Crossword – April 19, 2025

  • Clue: French farewell
  • Answer: BONSOIR
  • Explanation: The answer bonsoir seemed like quite an unconventional choice for this clue to me, yet there is a certain connection. The French word bonsoir means “good evening.” It can also be used as a polite way to say goodbye when parting in the evening.

Five Possible Answers to “French Goodbye” (with Word Lengths)

Word length is key in crossword solving—it must match the number of squares in the grid. Even if a word fits the clue, it won’t work unless the length matches the puzzle’s structure.

  1. Adieu (5 letters) – A formal farewell in French. This answer fits perfectly into the 5×5 grid of the NYT Mini Crossword, making it a frequent choice.
  2. Bonsoir (7 letters) – Means “good evening” in French, but can also be used as a polite goodbye at night. Fits medium-length slots, like those in WSJ puzzles.
  3. Au revoir (9 letters) – Translates to “until we see each other again.” A solid fit for longer grid entries, though less common due to length.
  4. Salut (5 letters) – A casual French greeting that also means “bye.” Works in puzzles where informal tone is acceptable.
  5. Bye (3 letters) – Not a French term, but sometimes used as a simplified or misleading answer in shorter, trickier clues.

The Mini NYT Crossword – September 20, 2024 Solution

Across Clues

  1. Crossword Clue: See who can get there the fastest
    Direction: Across
    Answer: RACE
    Explanation: A competition to determine who reaches a destination point first.
  2. Crossword Clue: Comic actor Sandler
    Direction: Across
    Answer: ADAM
    Explanation: Refers to Adam Sandler, known for his excellent roles in comedy films.
  3. Crossword Clue: Acronym for a pro-housing movement
    Direction: Across
    Answer: YIMBY
    Explanation: Stands for “Yes In My Backyard,” a movement supporting housing development.
  4. Crossword Clue: Fencing sword
    Direction: Across
    Answer: EPEE
    Explanation: A type of sword used in the sport of fencing.
  5. Crossword Clue: Org. that certifies foods as “Organic”
    Direction: Across
    Answer: USDA
    Explanation: The U.S. Department of Agriculture handles organic certification.

Down Clues

  1. Crossword Clue: Beam of sunshine
    Direction: Down
    Answer: RAY
    Explanation: A ray is a narrow beam of light from the sun.
  2. Crossword Clue: French goodbye
    Direction: Down
    Answer: ADIEU
    Explanation: A formal French word for farewell, used when parting for a long time.
  3. Crossword Clue: Places where bug juice is served and color wars are waged
    Direction: Down
    Answer: CAMPS
    Explanation: Refers to summer camps, often associated with outdoor games and drinks like “bug juice.”
  4. Crossword Clue: Plant deep (within)
    Direction: Down
    Answer: EMBED
    Explanation: To insert something firmly into a surrounding substance or idea.
  5. Crossword Clue: Opposite of nay
    Direction: Down
    Answer: YAY
    Explanation: A cheer or vote expressing approval or agreement.