Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Monday's grid brings a straightforward 5x5 puzzle with clean wordplay and accessible 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: 2D. Like a voluminous winter jacket
Gimme Clue: 9A. "Are we there ___?"
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. What some people solve the Mini for
Hint: Think about competitive solving. Five letters, starts with S.
6A. Chat, informally
Hint: Short for conversation. Five letters, starts with C.
7A. Fire truck attachments
Hint: What firefighters use to spray water. Five letters, starts with H.
8A. What other people solve the Mini for
Hint: The opposite of work. Three letters, starts with F.
9A. "Are we there ___?"
Hint: Common question from kids on road trips. Three letters, starts with Y.
Down Hints
1D. Academy or university: Abbr.
Hint: Common abbreviation for school. Three letters, starts with S.
2D. Like a voluminous winter jacket
Hint: Describes something puffy or inflated. Five letters, starts with P.
3D. Come next
Hint: To follow or happen afterward. Five letters, starts with E.
4D. ___ planner (occupation)
Hint: Professional who organizes gatherings. Five letters, starts with E.
5D. Number before tres
Hint: Spanish for two. Three letters, starts with D.
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. What some people solve the Mini for
Answer: SPEED
6A. Chat, informally
Answer: CONVO
7A. Fire truck attachments
Answer: HOSES
8A. What other people solve the Mini for
Answer: FUN
9A. "Are we there ___?"
Answer: YET
Down Answers
1D. Academy or university: Abbr.
Answer: SCH
2D. Like a voluminous winter jacket
Answer: POOFY
3D. Come next
Answer: ENSUE
4D. ___ planner (occupation)
Answer: EVENT
5D. Number before tres
Answer: DOS
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 2D. Like a voluminous winter jacket for POOFY. This clue required visual imagination rather than pure vocabulary, making solvers picture the actual garment.
Wordplay Winner: 1A. What some people solve the Mini for for SPEED. Cleverly acknowledges the competitive solving community while playing on the dual meaning of "speed" (both velocity and amphetamine).
Quick Fill: 9A. "Are we there ___?" for YET. This common phrase completion is instantly recognizable to anyone who's been on a road trip or heard the classic question.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Start with the gimmes: Fill YET (9A) and FUN (8A) immediately, these common phrase completions give you crossing letters for tougher clues.
Watch for Spanish numbers: DOS (5D) appears frequently in crosswords, and recognizing it quickly helps unlock intersecting words like CONVO (6A).
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The straightforward 5x5 with clean vocabulary like SPEED, CONVO, and HOSES made for an accessible Monday solve. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
