Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Sunday's grid brings a balanced mix of cultural 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: "Greek 'K'" - requires Greek alphabet knowledge
Gimme Clue: "Opposite of pro" - straightforward antonym
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. Memorable feature of the "V-J Day in Times Square" photo
Hint: Iconic WWII celebration moment captured in a famous photograph
5A. Opposite of pro
Hint: Prefix meaning against or opposed to something
6A. Cuddle closely
Hint: Position for sleeping or showing affection, also a utensil
7A. Totally awesome, informally
Hint: Grand, monumental, or impressively great
8A. Chance for a dog (and human) to stretch their legs
Hint: Daily canine activity that involves movement outdoors
Down Hints
1D. Greek "K"
Hint: Tenth letter of the Greek alphabet, comes after iota
2D. How latkes are cooked
Hint: Traditional method for preparing potato pancakes
3D. Keep full, as shelves
Hint: Supply or maintain inventory of goods
4D. Moral transgression
Hint: Violation of religious or moral law
6D. Use a needle and thread
Hint: Basic clothing repair skill
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. Memorable feature of the "V-J Day in Times Square" photo
Answer: KISS
5A. Opposite of pro
Answer: ANTI
6A. Cuddle closely
Answer: SPOON
7A. Totally awesome, informally
Answer: EPIC
8A. Chance for a dog (and human) to stretch their legs
Answer: WALK
Down Answers
1D. Greek "K"
Answer: KAPPA
2D. How latkes are cooked
Answer: IN OIL
3D. Keep full, as shelves
Answer: STOCK
4D. Moral transgression
Answer: SIN
6D. Use a needle and thread
Answer: SEW
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: "Memorable feature of the 'V-J Day in Times Square' photo" for KISS. Clever cultural reference that requires recognizing one of history's most famous photographs.
Wordplay Winner: "Cuddle closely" for SPOON. Double meaning that works both literally (spooning position) and as a common phrase.
Quick Fill: "Opposite of pro" for ANTI. Instant solve that gives solvers momentum early in the puzzle.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for cultural references in Sunday puzzles - they often include historical or photographic references like the V-J Day clue.
Greek alphabet letters appear regularly - memorize the basics (alpha, beta, gamma, delta, epsilon, zeta, eta, theta, iota, kappa) for quick solves.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tomorrow at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The mix of cultural references (V-J Day photo) and straightforward clues (ANTI, WALK) made for a balanced Sunday solve. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
