Clue: Word that may precede twelve words in this puzzle's grid

Answer: FREE

Length: 4

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Similar Clues:

• Word that can precede the first word of the twelve starred entries in this puzzle (CROSS with 5 letters)
• Number of times this puzzle's theme word appears diagonally in the grid (to complete the puzzle, shade those words plus the Down answers that begin where they meet) (FOUR with 4 letters)
• Baffles (ABOUT THIS PUZZLE: If you saw the headline "Fiend Found!" you might instantly notice that, between the two words, only the vowels change — the consonants stay put. Okay, if you were me, you' (STUMPS with 6 letters)
• Letter that, as it appears in the middle of this grid, can precede the first words of the starred entries (TEE with 3 letters)
• Repeat initial sounds in neighboring words (ALLITERATE with 10 letters)
• Choice words swapped in this puzzle's theme answers (ANDOR with 5 letters)
• Former UN leader Hammarskjöld [Note: The circled letters comprise a three-word instruction that, when applied to one square in the completed grid, reveals a group who might follow a code of silence] (DAG with 3 letters)
• Deg. of the professional who may instruct you to do the last words of the four longest puzzle answers (DDS with 3 letters)
• Source of all the tender words in this puzzle? (DOLLAR with 6 letters)
• Synonym for the first words of this puzzle's four longest answers (DRUNK with 5 letters)