Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and leans on crisp definitions, conversational phrases, and a neat bit of grid-aware wordplay. Settle in for a compact, friendly solve with a few lively 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: 4D is the trickiest clue because its broad brand description leaves plenty of plausible candidates until the crossings arrive.
Gimme Clue: 8A is the clearest gimme, a direct past-tense definition with no wordplay to untangle.
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. Instrument in the bluegrass classic "Foggy Mountain Breakdown"
Hint: Think of the bright, rapidly picked string instrument central to Earl Scruggs's famous bluegrass recording. Five letters, starts with B.
6A. Smart ___ (wise guy)
Hint: The blank completes a familiar label for a wise guy, especially one being irritatingly clever. Five letters, starts with A.
7A. Compete in a contest that's lost by blinking
Hint: Picture two competitors locking eyes and trying not to blink first. Five letters, starts with S.
8A. Strongly disliked
Hint: Use the simple past tense for feeling intense dislike toward someone or something. Five letters, starts with H.
9A. One of eight on a chessboard, or five in a Mini crossword
Hint: Think horizontally, both on the game board and across the crossword grid. Three letters, starts with R.
Down Hints
1D. Criticize harshly
Hint: Look for a blunt verb meaning to attack something with severe criticism. Four letters, starts with B.
2D. Where wedding rings are exchanged
Hint: Picture the ceremonial focal point where a couple traditionally exchanges rings. Five letters, starts with A.
3D. "Cool beans!"
Hint: Reach for a cheerfully retro exclamation of approval. Five letters, starts with N.
4D. Preppy clothing brand
Hint: Think of an American retailer associated with polished, preppy wardrobe basics. Five letters, starts with J.
5D. Gave the green light
Hint: Use a compact past-tense verb meaning approved or authorized. Four letters, starts with O.
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. Instrument in the bluegrass classic "Foggy Mountain Breakdown"
Answer: BANJO
6A. Smart ___ (wise guy)
Answer: ALECK
7A. Compete in a contest that's lost by blinking
Answer: STARE
8A. Strongly disliked
Answer: HATED
9A. One of eight on a chessboard, or five in a Mini crossword
Answer: ROW
Down Answers
1D. Criticize harshly
Answer: BASH
2D. Where wedding rings are exchanged
Answer: ALTAR
3D. "Cool beans!"
Answer: NEATO
4D. Preppy clothing brand
Answer: JCREW
5D. Gave the green light
Answer: OKED
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 9A, “One of eight on a chessboard, or five in a Mini crossword,” with ROW, defines today's puzzle. The answer satisfies both halves cleanly while pointing directly at the grid holding it.
Wordplay Winner: ROW wins the wordplay prize because the clue shifts from chessboard geometry to the Mini's own structure without changing the meaning of the word.
Quick Fill: HATED is the fastest confident fill because 8A is a direct synonym clue. Its five letters provide one crossing apiece for BASH, ALTAR, NEATO, JCREW, and OKED.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Bank direct definitions such as HATED before wrestling with broad proper-name clues such as JCREW. A complete Across entry can turn a brand guess into a confirmed fill.
For two-part clues, test the same word against both images. ROW becomes immediate once it works for a chessboard and the Mini's five horizontal lines.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
This grid treated solvers fairly, pairing direct fills with just enough personality to keep the solve lively. ROW supplied the sharpest finish with its self-aware nod to the grid.
See you at the next grid.
