Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Sunday's grid brings a mix of pop culture references and straightforward 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: 1A. Ron Swanson’s “number one favorite food,” on Parks and Recreation
Gimme Clue: 2D. Hawaiian greeting
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. Ron Swanson’s “number one favorite food,” on Parks and Recreation
Hint: Think of a breakfast meat that's crispy and savory. Five letters.
6A. It comes in black and green varieties, depending on ripeness
Hint: Mediterranean fruit often found in martinis. Five letters.
7A. Paramour
Hint: Romantic partner. Five letters.
8A. In bronze medal position
Hint: Not first or second. Five letters.
9A. Feeling resentful, in slang
Hint: Like someone who's bitter or annoyed. Five letters.
Down Hints
1D. Streaks of lightning
Hint: Electrical discharges from thunderstorms. Five letters.
2D. Hawaiian greeting
Hint: Traditional island hello. Five letters.
3D. The "C" of A.C.L.U.
Hint: Relating to citizens and their rights. Five letters.
4D. In the open
Hint: Up in the air, not hidden. Five letters.
5D. Knowledgeable, and proud of it
Hint: Street-smart or well-informed. Five letters.
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
-- --
-- --
-- --
-- --
-- --
-- --
-- --
Across Answers
1A. Ron Swanson’s "number one favorite food," on Parks and Recreation
Answer: BACON
6A. It comes in black and green varieties, depending on ripeness
Answer: OLIVE
7A. Paramour
Answer: LOVER
8A. In bronze medal position
Answer: THIRD
9A. Feeling resentful, in slang
Answer: SALTY
Down Answers
1D. Streaks of lightning
Answer: BOLTS
2D. Hawaiian greeting
Answer: ALOHA
3D. The "C" of A.C.L.U.
Answer: CIVIL
4D. In the open
Answer: ALOFT
5D. Knowledgeable, and proud of it
Answer: SAVVY
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 1A for BACON. Parks and Recreation fans will instantly recognize Ron Swanson's obsession with this breakfast staple, making it a clever pop culture reference that rewards TV knowledge.
Wordplay Winner: 9A for SALTY. The slang usage transforms a basic taste adjective into a modern expression of resentment, showing how crossword clues evolve with language.
Quick Fill: 2D for ALOHA. This Hawaiian greeting is universally recognized and fits perfectly with the intersecting letters, making it an easy entry point for solvers.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for five-letter patterns: Today's grid exclusively uses five-letter answers. When you spot a five-letter word that fits, check if it creates compatible crossing letters.
Leverage pop culture knowledge: Clues like 1A (BACON) reward TV familiarity. If you're stuck, consider whether a clue might reference a specific show, movie, or cultural moment.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tomorrow at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The mix of pop culture (BACON) and straightforward wordplay (ALOHA, THIRD) made for a balanced Sunday solve. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
