Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Saturday's grid brings a 7×7 challenge with pop culture nods and clever 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: 7×7
Total Clues: 14 (7 Across, 7 Down)
Trickiest Clue: 8A: Respected veteran, in slang
Gimme Clue: 10A: Spooky
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. Snow day vehicle
Hint: Clears roads after winter storms. Four letters.
5A. Steam room alternative
Hint: Dry heat relaxation space. Five letters.
6A. Show on which Jon Hamm had his breakout role
Hint: AMC drama about 1960s advertising executives. Six letters.
7A. Subject of negotiations with a 3-year-old
Hint: Evening routine battle. Seven letters.
8A. Respected veteran, in slang
Hint: Term for experienced person in a field. Seven letters.
9A. Gain back, as trust
Hint: Wordplay on earning again. Six letters.
10A. Spooky
Hint: Creepy or unsettling. Five letters.
Down Hints
1D. Noodle dish garnished with lime wedges and crushed peanuts
Hint: Thai street food favorite. Seven letters.
2D. Singing candlestick in "Beauty and the Beast"
Hint: French-accented Disney character. Seven letters.
3D. ___ band
Hint: Solo musician descriptor. Six letters.
4D. Decreased in size, as the moon
Hint: Opposite of waxed. Five letters.
5D. More blue
Hint: Comparative form of sad. Six letters.
6D. Chaotic fight
Hint: Wild brawl or scuffle. Five letters.
7D. Total snoozefest
Hint: Something extremely dull. Four letters.
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. Snow day vehicle
Answer: PLOW
5A. Steam room alternative
Answer: SAUNA
6A. Show on which Jon Hamm had his breakout role
Answer: MADMEN
7A. Subject of negotiations with a 3-year-old
Answer: BEDTIME
8A. Respected veteran, in slang
Answer: OLDHEAD
9A. Gain back, as trust
Answer: REEARN
10A. Spooky
Answer: EERIE
Down Answers
1D. Noodle dish garnished with lime wedges and crushed peanuts
Answer: PADTHAI
2D. Singing candlestick in "Beauty and the Beast"
Answer: LUMIERE
3D. ___ band
Answer: ONEMAN
4D. Decreased in size, as the moon
Answer: WANED
5D. More blue
Answer: SADDER
6D. Chaotic fight
Answer: MELEE
7D. Total snoozefest
Answer: BORE
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 8A: Respected veteran, in slang for OLDHEAD. This clue tests knowledge of contemporary slang that's entered mainstream usage.
Wordplay Winner: 9A: Gain back, as trust for REEARN. Clever construction that plays on "re-earn" as a single word.
Quick Fill: 10A: Spooky for EERIE. Straightforward vocabulary clue that most solvers will nail instantly.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for pop culture references in Saturday puzzles - today's MADMEN and LUMIERE clues reward TV and Disney knowledge.
Slang clues like OLDHEAD often appear in modern puzzles. When you see "in slang," think recent cultural terminology rather than traditional vocabulary.
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 (MADMEN, LUMIERE) and contemporary slang (OLDHEAD) made for a balanced Saturday challenge. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
