Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Monday's grid brings a mix of modern tech references and classic trivia. 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: 4D. The "p" of m.p.h.
Gimme Clue: 7A. Swedish furniture giant
Theme Spotted: Chinese zodiac animals in Down clues
Clue Decoder (Hints Only)
Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.
Across Hints
1A. All-caps reply to a spammy political text
Hint: Two-syllable command to cease unwanted messages
5A. Number of seasons that "Seinfeld" and "The Office" each ran
Hint: Single-digit number, one more than eight
6A. Wild party, informally
Hint: Five-letter slang term for an intense celebration
7A. Swedish furniture giant
Hint: Global home furnishings retailer with blue and yellow logo
8A. Long-lasting salon treatment
Hint: Chemical process for curly hair, four letters
Down Hints
1D. Chinese zodiac animal
Hint: Reptile that sheds its skin, five letters
2D. Chinese zodiac animal
Hint: Large striped feline, five letters
3D. Hour following midnight
Hint: Time designation, two words combined into one
4D. The "p" of m.p.h.
Hint: Preposition meaning "for each" in measurements
6D. Tombstone letters
Hint: Three-letter abbreviation for "rest in peace"
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. All-caps reply to a spammy political text
Answer: STOP
5A. Number of seasons that "Seinfeld" and "The Office" each ran
Answer: NINE
6A. Wild party, informally
Answer: RAGER
7A. Swedish furniture giant
Answer: IKEA
8A. Long-lasting salon treatment
Answer: PERM
Down Answers
1D. Chinese zodiac animal
Answer: SNAKE
2D. Chinese zodiac animal
Answer: TIGER
3D. Hour following midnight
Answer: ONEAM
4D. The "p" of m.p.h.
Answer: PER
6D. Tombstone letters
Answer: RIP
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 1A. All-caps reply to a spammy political text for STOP. Clever modern reference to digital communication habits that feels timely and relevant.
Wordplay Winner: 4D. The "p" of m.p.h. for PER. Classic abbreviation dissection that tests your knowledge of common measurement terminology.
Quick Fill: 7A. Swedish furniture giant for IKEA. Instant recognition for anyone who's navigated a labyrinthine showroom or assembled flat-pack furniture.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for thematic patterns: When you spot Chinese zodiac animals in two consecutive Down clues (1D and 2D), it signals a potential theme that can help solve intersecting Across clues faster.
Recognize abbreviation clues: Clues like "The 'p' of m.p.h." (4D) follow a consistent pattern where you need to extract a single letter's meaning from a common abbreviation.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The mix of modern tech references (STOP for spam texts) and classic trivia (Chinese zodiac animals) created a balanced Monday challenge. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
