The dictionary compilers have spoken – but have their chosen words made it as far as the puzzle pages?
In the sample clues below, the links take you to explainers from our beginners series. The setter’s name often links to an interview with him or her, in case you feel like getting to know these people better.
9a Virtual world with a dislike of the police? (9)
[ wordplay: cryptic definition ]
[ definition: virtual world ]
13aWhere virtual reality experienced, not liking New York art museum? (9)
[ wordplay: cryptic definition ]
[ definition: where virtual reality experienced ]
16a Scandal: Tories for example shown exit? (9)
[ wordplay: what the Tories are an example of + synonym for “exit” ]
[ definition: scandal ]
the one where the grid became Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
the one where we had to reassemble jam and cream to please the Devonians and the Cornish
the one depicting the tale of The Very Hungry Caterpillar
the one that turned out to be a sudoku in heavy disguise
the one where the grid became the chessboard for the Fischer-Spassky showdown
and the one depicting the rabbits seeking Watership Down
26aFrom the East some man, a titled figure of great importance (5)
[ wordplay: letters hidden inside (“some”) a reversal of (“from the East”) MANATITLED ]
[ letters hidden inside DELTITANAM ]
[ definition: figure of great importance ]