Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Monday's grid brings a straightforward 5x5 with pop culture nods 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: 5D "First in 'class'?" - wordplay on alphabetical order
Gimme Clue: 1A "Now I get it!" - immediate recognition
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. "Now I get it!"
Hint: Three-letter exclamation of sudden understanding
4A. Benoit ___, detective in the "Knives Out" films
Hint: French surname meaning "white"
6A. Give one's two cents
Hint: Express an opinion, five letters
7A. Time difference between the East and West Coast, in hours
Hint: Number of hours separating New York and Los Angeles
8A. Pirate's assent
Hint: Three-letter nautical "yes"
Down Hints
1D. Generation after Gen Z
Hint: Greek letter generation, five letters
2D. In need of a shave
Hint: Descriptor for someone with stubble, five letters
3D. "Bonne ___!" ("Happy New Year!," in French)
Hint: French word for "year"
4D. Many a social media antagonist, sadly
Hint: Automated account, three letters
5D. First in "class"?
Hint: Think alphabetical order, three letters
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. "Now I get it!"
Answer: AHA
4A. Benoit ___, detective in the "Knives Out" films
Answer: BLANC
6A. Give one's two cents
Answer: OPINE
7A. Time difference between the East and West Coast, in hours
Answer: THREE
8A. Pirate's assent
Answer: AYE
Down Answers
1D. Generation after Gen Z
Answer: ALPHA
2D. In need of a shave
Answer: HAIRY
3D. "Bonne ___!" ("Happy New Year!," in French)
Answer: ANNEE
4D. Many a social media antagonist, sadly
Answer: BOT
5D. First in "class"?
Answer: CEE
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 5D "First in 'class'?" for CEE. Clever wordplay that makes you think about classroom seating before realizing it's alphabetical order.
Wordplay Winner: 5D "First in 'class'?" for CEE. The question mark signals wordplay, and the answer plays on "class" as both a classroom and an alphabetical classification.
Quick Fill: 1A "Now I get it!" for AHA. Universal phrase that jumps out immediately, giving solvers instant momentum.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Start with short fill: The 3-letter answers (AHA, AYE, BOT, CEE) create a framework quickly. Solve these first to build your grid structure.
Watch for question marks: 5D's question mark signaled wordplay. When you see punctuation in clues, expect creative interpretations rather than literal meanings.
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 (BLANC from "Knives Out") and wordplay (CEE from "class") made for a balanced Monday solve. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
