Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Friday's grid brings a mix of pop culture references and straightforward wordplay. 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: 1D. Guy in a kitchen (requires specific pop culture knowledge)
Gimme Clue: 8A. Crossword clue, eg. (meta and straightforward)
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. Like flowers that never wilt
Hint: Think artificial or imitation. Four letters, starts with F.
5A. Italian city that's hosting part of the 2026 Winter Olympics
Hint: Fashion capital in northern Italy. Five letters, starts with M.
6A. "Huh, that's strange …"
Hint: Synonym for odd or unusual. Five letters, starts with W.
7A. Regions
Hint: Geographic zones or sections. Five letters, starts with A.
8A. Crossword clue, eg.
Hint: What you're reading right now. Four letters, starts with H.
Down Hints
1D. Guy in a kitchen
Hint: Famous TV chef with spiky hair. Five letters, starts with F.
2D. Visitor from another world
Hint: Extraterrestrial being. Five letters, starts with A.
3D. Gold measurement
Hint: Unit of purity for gold. Five letters, starts with K.
4D. "Don't tell me how it ___!"
Hint: How stories or movies conclude. Four letters, starts with E.
5D. Kissing sound
Hint: Onomatopoeic representation of a kiss. Four letters, starts with M.
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. Like flowers that never wilt
Answer: FAKE
5A. Italian city that's hosting part of the 2026 Winter Olympics
Answer: MILAN
6A. "Huh, that's strange …"
Answer: WEIRD
7A. Regions
Answer: AREAS
8A. Crossword clue, eg.
Answer: HINT
Down Answers
1D. Guy in a kitchen
Answer: FIERI
2D. Visitor from another world
Answer: ALIEN
3D. Gold measurement
Answer: KARAT
4D. "Don't tell me how it ___!"
Answer: ENDS
5D. Kissing sound
Answer: MWAH
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 5A. Italian city that's hosting part of the 2026 Winter Olympics for MILAN. This clue references the upcoming Winter Olympics earlier this year, blending current events with geography.
Wordplay Winner: 8A. Crossword clue, eg. for HINT. The meta nature of this clue, referring to itself, shows clever self-awareness typical of NYT crossword construction.
Quick Fill: 7A. Regions for AREAS. This straightforward definition clue provides an easy entry point to start filling the grid.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for pop culture references, today's 1D clue about a "guy in a kitchen" requires knowing celebrity chef Guy Fieri. When you see vague personal references, think famous names.
Olympic host cities are frequent crossword fodder. With the 2026 Winter Olympics having taken place earlier this year, cities like Milan become timely fill.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The mix of pop culture (FIERI) and current events (MILAN hosting Olympics) made for a balanced Friday challenge. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
