The word "ashier" is the comparative form of the adjective "ashy." "Ashy" means having a color similar to that of ash or ashes, typically a pale grayish-white or grayish-brown. So, "ashier" would mean even more pale or grayish-white in comparison to something else.
Note: The provided meaning of the answer is for the latest New York Times crossword puzzle clue: Pale in comparison?. Explanations are generated by AI and may be inaccurate.