Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Sunday's grid brings a mix of cultural references and 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: South American flatbread made of ground maize (7A)
Gimme Clue: Bit of gossip (5A)
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. Soybeans or rice
Hint: Agricultural product, four letters
5A. Bit of gossip
Hint: Unverified story, five letters
7A. South American flatbread made of ground maize
Hint: Venezuelan/Colombian staple, five letters
8A. ___ 8 Ball
Hint: Fortune-telling toy, five letters
9A. Something a pirate might make you walk
Hint: Pirate punishment, five letters
Down Hints
1D. Sudden muscle tightness
Hint: Painful contraction, five letters
2D. Like the areas beyond suburbia
Hint: Countryside descriptor, five letters
3D. Luxury Swiss watch brand
Hint: Greek letter brand, five letters
4D. Stop by unannounced
Hint: Casual visit phrase, five letters
6D. Billiards triangle
Hint: Pool equipment, four letters
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. Soybeans or rice
Answer: CROP
5A. Bit of gossip
Answer: RUMOR
7A. South American flatbread made of ground maize
Answer: AREPA
8A. ___ 8 Ball
Answer: MAGIC
9A. Something a pirate might make you walk
Answer: PLANK
Down Answers
1D. Sudden muscle tightness
Answer: CRAMP
2D. Like the areas beyond suburbia
Answer: RURAL
3D. Luxury Swiss watch brand
Answer: OMEGA
4D. Stop by unannounced
Answer: POPIN
6D. Billiards triangle
Answer: RACK
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: South American flatbread made of ground maize for AREPA. This clue requires specific cultural knowledge about Venezuelan and Colombian cuisine, making it the puzzle's toughest test.
Wordplay Winner: ___ 8 Ball for MAGIC. Clever reference to the classic fortune-telling toy that's been a pop culture staple for decades.
Quick Fill: Bit of gossip for RUMOR. Straightforward clue with a common crossword answer that most solvers will fill instantly.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for cultural references - clues like AREPA require specific knowledge that can't be deduced from crossing letters alone. When stuck, focus on the crossing words first.
Recognize common crossword patterns - RUMOR, CRAMP, and RURAL appear frequently in puzzles. Building a mental library of these standard answers speeds up solving.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tomorrow at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The AREPA clue likely tripped up some solvers, while the straightforward RUMOR and POPIN provided quick wins. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
