Minute Cryptic August 21 2026 Answer

The Friday Minute Cryptic is a single cryptic clue you can solve in about a minute. Read the clue, take the hints one at a time, and reveal the answer with the full wordplay explained.

PAR3
AVERAGE2
LETTERS8
SETTERLiam Runnalls
THE CLUESPOILERS HIDDEN

“Give medal to Jan's predecessor and make a speech (8)”

HINTS, ONE AT A TIME

This clue's fodder is 'Jan's predecessor' and 'make a speech', and we'll need to find substitutes for both of them. 'Make a speech' has a synonym that we can put straight in our answer. But 'Jan's predecessor' is asking for a stranger substitute - that which precedes Jan...

Our definition here is 'Give medal to', and our answer will be a word for that.

THE ANSWER
DECORATE
Charade

Definition: Give medal to

This clue's fodder is 'Jan's predecessor' and 'make a speech', and we'll need to find substitutes for both of them. 'Make a speech' has a synonym that we can put straight in our answer. But 'Jan's predecessor' is asking for a stranger substitute - that which precedes Jan...

Our definition here is 'Give medal to', and our answer will be a word for that.

Watch the official explainer video →

See the dictionary entry for decorate →

Checked against the official Minute Cryptic solution
RECENT MINUTE CRYPTIC PUZZLESAll puzzles →
DAILY GAME ANSWERS16
© 2026 You Go Words! · Independently made since 2014.For educational entertainment only. Not affiliated with Minute Cryptic or The New York Times. Game marks belong to their owners.