Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Sunday's grid brings a sharp mix of pop culture, legal history, and everyday 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: Camera brand that really had a moment?
Gimme Clue: Nickname for Henry
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. The Notorious ___ (longtime Supreme Court nickname)
Hint: Think Supreme Court justice with a famous moniker. Three letters, initials.
4A. Islamic equivalent of kosher
Hint: Food preparation standards. Five letters, starts with H.
6A. Repent for one's wrongs
Hint: Make amends. Five letters, starts with A.
7A. Warrior with throwing stars called shuriken
Hint: Japanese martial arts figure. Five letters, starts with N.
8A. Camera brand that really had a moment?
Hint: Classic photography company. Five letters, starts with K.
Down Hints
1D. 3:2 or 5:4
Hint: Mathematical relationship. Five letters, starts with R.
2D. Like some light hair and light ales
Hint: Hair color and beer type. Five letters, starts with B.
3D. Weed
Hint: Slang term. Five letters, starts with G.
4D. Nickname for Henry
Hint: Common short form. Four letters, starts with H.
5D. News story from an undisclosed source
Hint: Confidential information release. Four letters, starts with L.
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. The Notorious ___ (longtime Supreme Court nickname)
Answer: RBG
4A. Islamic equivalent of kosher
Answer: HALAL
6A. Repent for one's wrongs
Answer: ATONE
7A. Warrior with throwing stars called shuriken
Answer: NINJA
8A. Camera brand that really had a moment?
Answer: KODAK
Down Answers
1D. 3:2 or 5:4
Answer: RATIO
2D. Like some light hair and light ales
Answer: BLOND
3D. Weed
Answer: GANJA
4D. Nickname for Henry
Answer: HANK
5D. News story from an undisclosed source
Answer: LEAK
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: "Camera brand that really had a moment?" for KODAK. This cleverly references the famous "Kodak moment" advertising slogan while requiring knowledge of the company's history in photography.
Wordplay Winner: "The Notorious ___ (longtime Supreme Court nickname)" for RBG. This pop culture reference to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's nickname shows how crossword clues have evolved to include modern cultural touchstones.
Quick Fill: "Nickname for Henry" for HANK. This straightforward clue provides an easy entry point for solvers, with HANK being one of the most common nicknames for Henry.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for pop culture references in three-letter answers. RBG shows how modern crossword construction incorporates contemporary figures alongside traditional crossword fare.
Recognize common nickname patterns. HANK for Henry follows a predictable pattern that appears frequently in crosswords, making it a reliable fill when you see similar clue structures.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tomorrow at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? From RBG's legal legacy to Kodak's photographic history, today's puzzle blended cultural references with everyday vocabulary. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
