Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Friday's grid brings a mix of space agency references and digital life vocabulary. Whether you're racing the clock or just enjoying a quick brain break, we've got hints and answers to keep you moving.
How The Mini Works
The Mini is a compact version of the classic NYT Crossword, typically featuring a 5x5 grid with five Across and five Down clues.
Saturdays expand to a larger grid with more clues. Solve the intersecting words, and when the grid is complete, you'll hear a satisfying chime. No streak tracking here, but the built-in timer lets you compete against yourself or challenge friends.
New puzzles drop at 10 p.m. EST on weekdays and Saturdays. Sunday's Mini arrives earlier at 6 p.m. EST on Saturday.
Quick Scan
In a rush? Here's the at-a-glance breakdown for today's puzzle:
Grid Size: 5x5
Total Clues: 10 (5 Across, 5 Down)
Trickiest Clue: "Large quantity at a pot dispensary" (6A)
Gimme Clue: "Parched" (9A)
Theme Spotted: None today
Clue Decoder (Hints Only)
Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.
Across Hints
1A. Fill in the ___
Hint: Common phrase for completing empty spaces, three letters
6A. Large quantity at a pot dispensary
Hint: Unit of measurement, five letters, starts with O
7A. Remove one's name from, as an online photo
Hint: Social media action, five letters, starts with U
8A. Org. whose upcoming Artemis II mission will launch astronauts around the moon
Hint: Space agency acronym, four letters
9A. Parched
Hint: Opposite of wet, three letters
Down Hints
1D. Hop like a kangaroo
Hint: Jump or leap, five letters, starts with B
2D. ___ lander (moon vehicle)
Hint: Related to the moon, five letters, starts with L
3D. Squirming in one's seat
Hint: Restless or fidgety, five letters, starts with A
4D. College Football Playoff org.
Hint: Sports organization acronym, four letters
5D. Beer dispenser
Hint: Container for draft beer, three letters
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. Fill in the ___
Answer: BLANK
6A. Large quantity at a pot dispensary
Answer: OUNCE
7A. Remove one's name from, as an online photo
Answer: UNTAG
8A. Org. whose upcoming Artemis II mission will launch astronauts around the moon
Answer: NASA
9A. Parched
Answer: DRY
Down Answers
1D. Hop like a kangaroo
Answer: BOUND
2D. ___ lander (moon vehicle)
Answer: LUNAR
3D. Squirming in one's seat
Answer: ANTSY
4D. College Football Playoff org.
Answer: NCAA
5D. Beer dispenser
Answer: KEG
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: "Large quantity at a pot dispensary" for OUNCE. This clue combines cannabis culture with measurement units, requiring solvers to think beyond traditional contexts.
Wordplay Winner: "Remove one's name from, as an online photo" for UNTAG. The clue captures modern digital behavior with precise terminology that has become mainstream vocabulary.
Quick Fill: "Parched" for DRY. This straightforward three-letter answer provides an easy entry point for solvers starting the puzzle.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Start with the shortest answers first. DRY (9A) and KEG (5D) provide immediate crossing letters that unlock the rest of the grid.
Recognize acronym patterns. NASA (8A) and NCAA (4D) follow common organizational naming conventions that appear frequently in crosswords.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST.
How did today's grid treat you? The space agency references and digital vocabulary created a contemporary Friday challenge.
Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
