What is the answer to "___ circle (closest buds)" in the USA Today Crossword?

The answer to the USA Today Crossword clue "___ circle (closest buds)" is INNER (5 letters).

Home/Crosswords/USA Today/___ circle (closest buds)

USA

___ circle (closest buds) USA Today Crossword Clue

Down clue · from the June 21, 2026 puzzle

Stuck on “___ circle (closest buds)” from the USA Today Crossword? Here is the verified answer:

Answer

INNER

5 letters · Down · last seen June 21, 2026

1DWild pigs5 1AAbbr. for a super-secret email recipient3 2D"Say cheese!" device6 3DMade-up soda in Savage Garden's "I Want You"15 4D"In what way?"5 4ABelonging to that woman4 5D"Killing ___" (Sandra Oh show)3 6DRetired NPR host Diane4 7DSlow-moving gastropods6 8AWith 26-Across, "Past Lives" star5 8DHarsh look5 9DSecond try4