The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word UNALTERED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
U
N
A
L
T
E
R
E
D
More clues leading to the result UNALTERED
- NUT leader at sea, the same as before
- Lacking change, central fund haggled without pence
- Left alone, apparently
- Nude composition over altar said to be in its original form
- no different
- Key ingredient of a French wine’s the same
- Rental due to be changed or left alone?
- Nude model has to change — remains the same
- May be unrelated but stiil same
- . Unrelated, perhaps remains the same
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "the same as before (" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case the same as before ( = unaltered.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does UNALTERED mean?
UNALTERED adjective- Remaining in its initial state; not changed.