Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Sunday's grid brings a holiday-themed puzzle with Easter references mixed with everyday vocabulary. 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: "Menzel of Broadway" - requires specific Broadway knowledge
Gimme Clue: "Brother or sister, for short" - common family abbreviation
Theme Spotted: Easter holiday references
Clue Decoder (Hints Only)
Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.
Across Hints
1A. Contents of an Easter basket
Hint: Think colorful, hard-shelled holiday treats often hidden in grass
5A. Check out the contents of someone else's medicine cabinet, say
Hint: To pry or investigate where you shouldn't; starts with S
6A. Menzel of Broadway
Hint: Tony-winning actress known for "Wicked" and "Rent"; first name starts with I
7A. Carrier of an Easter basket
Hint: Floppy-eared holiday mascot; rhymes with "funny"
8A. Org. for Rory McIlroy
Hint: Professional golf association; three-letter abbreviation
Down Hints
1D. Turn out to be
Hint: Two-word phrase meaning "eventually become"; starts with E
2D. "Where do you think you're ___?"
Hint: Common parental question; present participle of "go"
3D. About to, slangily
Hint: Casual contraction meaning "going to"; starts with G
4D. Sterilize, as a cat
Hint: Veterinary procedure; four-letter word starting with S
5D. Brother or sister, for short
Hint: Family member abbreviation; three letters
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. Contents of an Easter basket
Answer: EGGS
5A. Check out the contents of someone else's medicine cabinet, say
Answer: SNOOP
6A. Menzel of Broadway
Answer: IDINA
7A. Carrier of an Easter basket
Answer: BUNNY
8A. Org. for Rory McIlroy
Answer: PGA
Down Answers
1D. Turn out to be
Answer: ENDUP
2D. "Where do you think you're ___?"
Answer: GOING
3D. About to, slangily
Answer: GONNA
4D. Sterilize, as a cat
Answer: SPAY
5D. Brother or sister, for short
Answer: SIB
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: "Menzel of Broadway" for IDINA. This clue requires specific Broadway knowledge that casual solvers might miss, making it the puzzle's toughest entry.
Wordplay Winner: "Check out the contents of someone else's medicine cabinet, say" for SNOOP. The clue paints a vivid, slightly nosy picture that perfectly captures the verb's meaning.
Quick Fill: "Brother or sister, for short" for SIB. This common family abbreviation is a gimme that helps unlock intersecting words quickly.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Spot holiday themes early. When you see EGGS and BUNNY, recognize the Easter pattern, it helps predict related answers.
Watch for intersecting vowels. The "I" in IDINA crosses with the "I" in SIB, creating a helpful check for both answers.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tomorrow at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The Easter theme added seasonal flavor, while IDINA tested your Broadway knowledge. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
