Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and leans on crisp definitions, a title reference, and playful clue phrasing without a formal theme. Settle in for a compact grid with satisfying crossings.
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: 1A is the trickiest clue because its Venn-diagram framing asks you to identify an association shared by two very different subjects.
Gimme Clue: 7A is the clearest gimme, using a direct definition for a familiar orchestral instrument.
Theme Spotted: None today, straight trivia and wordplay.
Clue Decoder (Hints Only)
Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.
Across Hints
1A. What fills the Venn diagram of "Spider-Man" and "the Internet"
Hint: For 1A, think of one thing associated with both a wall-crawling superhero and the online world. Three letters, starts with W.
4A. Pack, as a mover might
Hint: For 4A, picture what a mover does to belongings before loading them onto a truck. Five letters, starts with B.
6A. "Adios ___!"
Hint: For 6A, complete the quoted farewell with a friendly Spanish term of address. Five letters, starts with A.
7A. Large stringed instrument
Hint: For 7A, think of a bowed instrument larger and lower-pitched than a viola, held upright between the musician's knees. Five letters, starts with C.
8A. Prepare to pop the question
Hint: For 8A, picture the traditional posture someone adopts immediately before making a marriage proposal. Five letters, starts with K.
Down Hints
1D. Alcott's "Little ___"
Hint: For 1D, complete Louisa May Alcott's title about the March sisters. Five letters, starts with W.
2D. Political leader unwelcome at home
Hint: For 2D, seek the term for a political figure forced to live outside the leader's native country. Five letters, starts with E.
3D. Small brass instrument
Hint: For 3D, picture the compact brass instrument traditionally used for military calls. Five letters, starts with B.
4D. Support politically
Hint: For 4D, use a verb meaning to endorse or support a political candidate. Four letters, starts with B.
5D. Site of cannonballs and bellyflops
Hint: For 5D, name the watery setting where the clue's two splashy maneuvers happen. Four letters, starts with P.
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. What fills the Venn diagram of "Spider-Man" and "the Internet"
Answer: WEB
4A. Pack, as a mover might
Answer: BOXUP
6A. "Adios ___!"
Answer: AMIGO
7A. Large stringed instrument
Answer: CELLO
8A. Prepare to pop the question
Answer: KNEEL
Down Answers
1D. Alcott's "Little ___"
Answer: WOMEN
2D. Political leader unwelcome at home
Answer: EXILE
3D. Small brass instrument
Answer: BUGLE
4D. Support politically
Answer: BACK
5D. Site of cannonballs and bellyflops
Answer: POOL
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 1A, “What fills the Venn diagram of ‘Spider-Man’ and ‘the Internet,’” defines the grid with WEB. It works because the same compact answer evokes the hero's signature tool and the online network.
Wordplay Winner: 8A, KNEEL, is the wordplay winner because “pop the question” disguises a proposal setup as a simple action clue.
Quick Fill: CELLO was the fastest confident fill, and its crossings supplied firm checks for BACK, WOMEN, EXILE, BUGLE, and POOL.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Bank direct definitions such as CELLO and BUGLE first, then use their crossings to settle phrase-based entries such as BOXUP and KNEEL.
Track each clue's grammar closely. BACK needs a verb for political support, while EXILE names the unwelcome political figure.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The grid played fair, pairing sturdy definitions with a few sharp turns of phrase. WEB delivered the cleanest final spark.
See you at the next grid.
