What is the answer to "Like a bad apple" in the USA Today Crossword?

The answer to the USA Today Crossword clue "Like a bad apple" is ROTTEN (6 letters).

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Like a bad apple USA Today Crossword Clue

Across clue · from the August 31, 2026 puzzle

Stuck on “Like a bad apple” from the USA Today Crossword? Here is the verified answer:

Answer

ROTTEN

6 letters · Across · last seen August 31, 2026

1D"Quite so"3 1AMario Kart character with a mushroomlike head4 2DPoem of celebration3 3DLacking follow-through7 4DSlander6 5A___ Evolution (powerful Pokemon form)4 5DAt most3 6DConvention center gatherings5 7DHanukkah coins4 8DCausing worry8 9DPrecursor to reggae3 9AScorches5