Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Monday's grid brings a straightforward 5x5 with a mix of modern references and classic 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: 2D. Canada has an estimated 2 million of them, the most of any country in the world
Gimme Clue: 4D. Work overseer
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. Amorphous shape in a lava lamp
Hint: Think of a gooey, formless mass that moves slowly.
5A. "Wonderful performance!"
Hint: What you shout at the end of a great show.
6A. Social media currency
Hint: Digital approval on platforms like Instagram or Facebook.
7A. Cars that move around a miniature map
Hint: Ride-hailing service vehicles.
8A. Partner of relaxation
Hint: What you do after a long day.
Down Hints
1D. Offer money corruptly
Hint: Illegal payment to influence someone.
2D. Canada has an estimated 2 million of them, the most of any country in the world
Hint: Bodies of water, often found in northern regions.
3D. In-your-face
Hint: Not subtle or hidden.
4D. Work overseer
Hint: Person in charge at the office.
5D. Memory of a hectic day, perhaps
Hint: When everything moves too fast to remember clearly.
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. Amorphous shape in a lava lamp
Answer: BLOB
5A. "Wonderful performance!"
Answer: BRAVO
6A. Social media currency
Answer: LIKES
7A. Cars that move around a miniature map
Answer: UBERS
8A. Partner of relaxation
Answer: REST
Down Answers
1D. Offer money corruptly
Answer: BRIBE
2D. Canada has an estimated 2 million of them, the most of any country in the world
Answer: LAKES
3D. In-your-face
Answer: OVERT
4D. Work overseer
Answer: BOSS
5D. Memory of a hectic day, perhaps
Answer: BLUR
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 2D for LAKES. The geographic trivia about Canada's 2 million lakes makes this both educational and tricky if you don't know the statistic.
Wordplay Winner: 7A for UBERS. Clever description of ride-hailing cars as "moving around a miniature map" captures the app experience perfectly.
Quick Fill: 4D for BOSS. Straightforward workplace vocabulary that most solvers will get instantly.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for modern references: clues like 6A (LIKES) and 7A (UBERS) reflect current technology and services. Recognizing these quickly saves time.
Geographic trivia often appears in Monday puzzles: clues like 2D (LAKES) test general knowledge. When stuck, consider common facts about countries or natural features.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The mix of social media terms (LIKES) and ride-hailing services (UBERS) kept it contemporary, while classic wordplay like BLOB and BRAVO provided balance. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
