Today's NYT Midi Crossword is live, and Sunday's grid brings a geological foundation with mountain ranges formed from tectonic collisions.
The 9x9 puzzle balances scientific references with everyday vocabulary, creating a mid-length challenge that rewards both general knowledge and pattern recognition.
How The Midi Works
The Midi is the middle ground between the Mini and the classic NYT Crossword, typically featuring an 8x10 or 9x11 grid with 15-20 Across and 15-20 Down clues.
It takes about 5-15 minutes to solve, making it perfect for a coffee break or commute. Solve the intersecting words, and when the grid is complete, you'll hear a satisfying chime.
New puzzles drop daily. The Midi offers more complexity than the Mini while remaining accessible for solvers who want a quick but substantial challenge.
Quick Scan
In a rush? Here's the at-a-glance breakdown for today's puzzle:
Grid Size: 9x9
Total Clues: 27 (12 Across, 15 Down)
Trickiest Clue: 23A. "The calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing ___": Carl Sagan
Gimme Clue: 14A. Seasoning on a pretzel
Theme Spotted: "Into Thin Air"
Clue Decoder (Hints Only)
Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.
Across Hints
4A. Have the rights to
Hint: Possess or control something legally
6A. Occupant of an extra Thanksgiving place setting, perhaps
Hint: Family member by marriage
10A. Chicken ___ Thai (noodle dish)
Hint: Stir-fried noodle dish
11A. Pancake syrup flavor
Hint: Tree-derived sweetener
12A. Hoi polloi
Hint: The common people
14A. Seasoning on a pretzel
Hint: Common table condiment
15A. Travels by boat
Hint: Uses wind power on water
18A. Official political platform
Hint: What party members follow
22A. Annually
Hint: Once every twelve months
23A. "The calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing ___": Carl Sagan
Hint: Celestial bodies that form elements
24A. Place for a seaweed wrap
Hint: Wellness treatment location
Down Hints
1D. Formation after the Nazca and South American plates collided
Hint: South American mountain range
2D. Formation after the Eurasian and Indian plates collided
Hint: Highest mountain range in the world
3D. Formation after the African and Eurasian plates collided
Hint: European mountain range
4D. Decide (to)
Hint: Choose or select
5D. Baby's cry
Hint: Sound of infant distress
7D. In a mean-spirited way
Hint: Unpleasantly or spitefully
8D. The "A" of I.P.A.
Hint: Type of beer
9D. Maryland governor Moore
Hint: First name of current governor
13D. Become an expert in
Hint: Gain complete skill or knowledge
16D. "Poppycock!"
Hint: False statements or untruths
17D. Finger-clicking sound
Hint: Quick breaking noise
18D. Opposite of neg.
Hint: Positive abbreviation
19D. Insect that uses pheromones to communicate
Hint: Small social insect
20D. Pioneering electronics co.
Hint: Early radio and television company
21D. Historical period
Hint: Distinct time in history
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
---
---
---
---
---
Across Answers
4A. Have the rights to
Answer: OWN
6A. Occupant of an extra Thanksgiving place setting, perhaps
Answer: INLAW
10A. Chicken ___ Thai (noodle dish)
Answer: PAD
11A. Pancake syrup flavor
Answer: MAPLE
12A. Hoi polloi
Answer: THEMASSES
14A. Seasoning on a pretzel
Answer: SALT
15A. Travels by boat
Answer: SAILS
18A. Official political platform
Answer: PARTYLINE
22A. Annually
Answer: ONCEAYEAR
23A. "The calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing ___": Carl Sagan
Answer: STARS
24A. Place for a seaweed wrap
Answer: SPA
Down Answers
1D. Formation after the Nazca and South American plates collided
Answer: ANDES
2D. Formation after the Eurasian and Indian plates collided
Answer: HIMALAYAS
3D. Formation after the African and Eurasian plates collided
Answer: ALPS
4D. Decide (to)
Answer: OPT
5D. Baby's cry
Answer: WAH
7D. In a mean-spirited way
Answer: NASTILY
8D. The "A" of I.P.A.
Answer: ALE
9D. Maryland governor Moore
Answer: WES
13D. Become an expert in
Answer: MASTER
16D. "Poppycock!"
Answer: LIES
17D. Finger-clicking sound
Answer: SNAP
18D. Opposite of neg.
Answer: POS
19D. Insect that uses pheromones to communicate
Answer: ANT
20D. Pioneering electronics co.
Answer: RCA
21D. Historical period
Answer: ERA
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 23A references Carl Sagan's famous quote about stellar nucleosynthesis. The answer "STARS" connects cosmology with everyday chemistry in a single elegant clue.
Wordplay Winner: 12A "Hoi polloi" for "THEMASSES" uses Greek-derived terminology to describe common people, creating a clever linguistic bridge between classical and modern English.
Quick Fill: 14A "Seasoning on a pretzel" solves instantly to "SALT," providing immediate grid entry points for solvers who need momentum.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Start with the geological theme in the first three down clues. Recognizing the mountain range pattern (ANDES, HIMALAYAS, ALPS) provides multiple crossing letters that unlock adjacent sections.
Watch for food-related clues as reliable fill. Terms like "PAD" (Thai), "MAPLE" (syrup), and "SALT" (pretzel) follow predictable crossword patterns and often intersect with more challenging entries.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Midi drops tomorrow. How did today's geological foundation treat you? The mountain range theme provided structural support for the entire grid.
Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one. See you at the next grid.
