What does the cryptic crossword clue "Poet in squalid room without alcohol (6)" mean?

The definition is "Poet". The wordplay uses a deletion. DRY (synonym="‘without alcohol’") + DEN (synonym="‘squalid room’") = DRYDEN; definition: "Poet" The answer is DRYDEN.

Poet in squalid room without alcohol (6)

Guardian Cryptic #29596 | 22 Across | 2025-01-20 flower

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