Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and a mix of familiar references and compact vocabulary keeps the grid lively. Settle in and let the crossings help you find your footing.
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: 5D is the trickiest clue because “Make dirty” leaves room for both a physical stain and damage to a reputation.
Gimme Clue: 1D is the clearest foothold, with Chase and Wells Fargo pointing directly to the same type of financial institution.
Theme Spotted: A shared doubled consonant links 8A and 5D.
Clue Decoder (Hints Only)
Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.
Across Hints
1A. Common parts of kids' bedtime routines
Hint: Think of a tub, warm water and getting clean before pajamas. Five letters, starts with B.
6A. French farewell
Hint: Think of a French expression used when taking leave. Five letters, starts with A.
7A. Prestigious prize
Hint: This award recognizes achievements in fields such as science, literature and peace. Five letters, starts with N.
8A. Tiny creature that feeds the world's largest creature
Hint: Think of a tiny marine crustacean eaten by blue whales. Five letters, starts with K.
9A. Word on a Staples button
Hint: Recall the red advertising button that promises a task will require little effort. Four letters, starts with E.
Down Hints
1D. Chase or Wells Fargo
Hint: Both examples offer checking accounts and loans. Four letters, starts with B.
2D. Love, love, love
Hint: The repetition calls for a verb expressing deep affection. Five letters, starts with A.
3D. Bone below the femur
Hint: Look for the anatomical name of the shinbone. Five letters, starts with T.
4D. Difficult shoes to run in
Hint: Think of footwear that raises the back of the foot and makes sprinting awkward. Five letters, starts with H.
5D. Make dirty
Hint: Think of a verb that can also mean tarnishing someone's reputation. Five letters, starts with S.
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. Common parts of kids' bedtime routines
Answer: BATHS
6A. French farewell
Answer: ADIEU
7A. Prestigious prize
Answer: NOBEL
8A. Tiny creature that feeds the world's largest creature
Answer: KRILL
9A. Word on a Staples button
Answer: EASY
Down Answers
1D. Chase or Wells Fargo
Answer: BANK
2D. Love, love, love
Answer: ADORE
3D. Bone below the femur
Answer: TIBIA
4D. Difficult shoes to run in
Answer: HEELS
5D. Make dirty
Answer: SULLY
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 8A, “Tiny creature that feeds the world's largest creature,” gives KRILL a memorable introduction. The contrast between a small crustacean and the enormous blue whale makes a factual clue feel vivid.
Wordplay Winner: 5D, “Make dirty,” earns the wordplay nod with SULLY. The verb covers literal soiling and figurative damage to a reputation, giving the brief clue more reach than its household wording suggests.
Quick Fill: BANK at 1D is the strongest confident opener because Chase and Wells Fargo identify it directly. It supplies the opening letters of BATHS, ADIEU, NOBEL and KRILL, giving you a foothold across the grid.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Use precise references as anchors before tackling broad definitions. BANK and ADIEU offer firmer starting points than “Prestigious prize” or “Make dirty,” where crossings help narrow the vocabulary.
Pay attention to a clue's grammatical shape. The plural shoes clue calls for HEELS, while “Love, love, love” intensifies the feeling into ADORE.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
This grid rewards familiar knowledge while leaving a little room for vocabulary judgment. KRILL provides the brightest image, and SULLY gives the finish a satisfying bit of ambiguity.
See you at the next grid.
