Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Monday's grid brings a compact 5x5 with subtle transportation themes and eco-conscious 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: 6A - requires specific knowledge of NYC transportation regulations
Gimme Clue: 7A - straightforward eco-friendly reference
Theme Spotted: Subtle transportation/eco theme with pedal power and green energy
Clue Decoder (Hints Only)
Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.
Across Hints
1A. Snappy put-down
Hint: Think of a sharp, witty retort that starts with Z
5A. Power a 6-Across, perhaps
Hint: What you do with your feet on a bicycle
6A. Vehicle subject to a 15 m.p.h. speed limit in New York City, as of 2025
Hint: Electric bicycle with specific urban regulations
7A. Eco-friendly
Hint: Color associated with environmentalism
8A. Tallies (up)
Hint: Mathematical operation that combines numbers
Down Hints
1D. Animal found on the last page of an alphabet book
Hint: Striped African animal that starts with Z
2D. "That was so hilarious," hyperbolically
Hint: Two-word phrase meaning extreme laughter
3D. Without clothing
Hint: State of being undressed, starts with N
4D. Secluded valleys
Hint: Narrow, sheltered valleys often in mountainous areas
5D. Square ___ in a round hole
Hint: Common idiom about poor fit, three letters
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
---
---
---
---
---
Across Answers
1A. Snappy put-down
Answer: ZING
5A. Power a 6-Across, perhaps
Answer: PEDAL
6A. Vehicle subject to a 15 m.p.h. speed limit in New York City, as of 2025
Answer: EBIKE
7A. Eco-friendly
Answer: GREEN
8A. Tallies (up)
Answer: ADDS
Down Answers
1D. Animal found on the last page of an alphabet book
Answer: ZEBRA
2D. "That was so hilarious," hyperbolically
Answer: I DIED
3D. Without clothing
Answer: NAKED
4D. Secluded valleys
Answer: GLENS
5D. Square ___ in a round hole
Answer: PEG
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 6A for EBIKE. The specific reference to New York City's 15 m.p.h. speed limit regulation (as of 2025) requires niche urban knowledge that could stump casual solvers.
Wordplay Winner: 5A for PEDAL. The clue "Power a 6-Across, perhaps" creates a clever interlock with 6A (EBIKE), demonstrating how Mini puzzles often connect adjacent answers thematically.
Quick Fill: 7A for GREEN. "Eco-friendly" is a direct synonym that most solvers will recognize instantly, providing a reliable anchor for the grid.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for thematic connections between adjacent clues. Today's 5A (PEDAL) directly references 6A (EBIKE) - spotting these relationships early can unlock multiple answers simultaneously.
Recognize common idiom patterns. 5D's "Square ___ in a round hole" follows a familiar template that experienced solvers will complete instantly with PEG, giving you crucial crossing letters for tougher clues.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The subtle transportation theme with PEDAL, EBIKE, and GREEN showed how even Monday puzzles can weave clever connections. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
