Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Friday's grid brings a mix of tech terms, pop culture, and everyday vocabulary. 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: Two-time Best Actor nominee Nick (requires specific Hollywood knowledge)
Gimme Clue: Company whose logo has a bite taken out of it (universally recognizable brand)
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. Attach, as one plant to another
Hint: Horticultural technique where tissues are joined
6A. Email button with a backward-facing arrow
Hint: Common interface element for responding to messages
7A. Make very excited
Hint: Two-word phrase meaning to energize or intensify
8A. Two-time Best Actor nominee Nick
Hint: Actor known for roles in 48 Hrs. and The Prince of Tides
9A. Total dork
Hint: Slang term for an uncool or socially awkward person
Down Hints
1D. Word that can precede piano, total or staircase
Hint: Adjective meaning large or impressive
2D. Cut again, as a lawn
Hint: What you do when grass grows back
3D. Company whose logo has a bite taken out of it
Hint: Tech giant founded by Steve Jobs
4D. Champagne glass
Hint: Tall, slender stemware for sparkling wine
5D. Laid-back kind of personality
Hint: Opposite of Type A, two words
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. Attach, as one plant to another
Answer: GRAFT
6A. Email button with a backward-facing arrow
Answer: REPLY
7A. Make very excited
Answer: AMP UP
8A. Two-time Best Actor nominee Nick
Answer: NOLTE
9A. Total dork
Answer: DWEEB
Down Answers
1D. Word that can precede piano, total or staircase
Answer: GRAND
2D. Cut again, as a lawn
Answer: REMOW
3D. Company whose logo has a bite taken out of it
Answer: APPLE
4D. Champagne glass
Answer: FLUTE
5D. Laid-back kind of personality
Answer: TYPE B
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: "Word that can precede piano, total or staircase" for GRAND. Clever construction that works with three different common phrases.
Wordplay Winner: "Two-time Best Actor nominee Nick" for NOLTE. Requires specific Hollywood knowledge that separates casual solvers from film buffs.
Quick Fill: "Company whose logo has a bite taken out of it" for APPLE. Instant recognition makes this the fastest solve in the grid.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for tech interface clues like "Email button with a backward-facing arrow" - these modern references are often straightforward once you visualize the interface.
When you see "Word that can precede" multiple items, think of versatile adjectives that form common compound terms like GRAND piano, GRAND total, and GRAND staircase.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The mix of tech terms (REPLY, APPLE) and pop culture (NOLTE, DWEEB) kept things balanced. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
