Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Sunday's grid brings a clever mix of Scrabble trivia and spy lingo. 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: 6A. Highest-scoring Scrabble word with four tiles (22)
Gimme Clue: 4A. Ready for business
Theme Spotted: Scrabble scoring and intelligence references
Clue Decoder (Hints Only)
Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.
Across Hints
1A. Some breakfast drinks, for short
Hint: Morning beverage abbreviation, three letters
4A. Ready for business
Hint: Opposite of closed, four letters
5A. Information gathered by a spy
Hint: Tech company name also means secret data, five letters
6A. Highest-scoring Scrabble word with four tiles (22)
Hint: Four-letter word starting with Q that tests knowledge
7A. Nine-digit ID
Hint: Government identification number, three letters
Down Hints
1D. Agree to receive promotional emails, say
Hint: Two-word phrase meaning to choose to participate
2D. Second-highest-scoring Scrabble word with four tiles (20)
Hint: Expression of surprise, four letters starting with J
3D. Sketch comedy show since '75
Hint: Famous late-night TV show abbreviation, three letters
4D. Burden
Hint: Responsibility or obligation, four letters
5D. Geniuses have high ones
Hint: Intelligence measurement abbreviation, three letters
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. Some breakfast drinks, for short
Answer: OJS
4A. Ready for business
Answer: OPEN
5A. Information gathered by a spy
Answer: INTEL
6A. Highest-scoring Scrabble word with four tiles (22)
Answer: QUIZ
7A. Nine-digit ID
Answer: SSN
Down Answers
1D. Agree to receive promotional emails, say
Answer: OPT IN
2D. Second-highest-scoring Scrabble word with four tiles (20)
Answer: JEEZ
3D. Sketch comedy show since '75
Answer: SNL
4D. Burden
Answer: ONUS
5D. Geniuses have high ones
Answer: IQS
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 6A for QUIZ. The Scrabble scoring reference (22 points) adds a layer of trivia that separates casual players from board game enthusiasts.
Wordplay Winner: 2D for JEEZ. Pairing with 6A's Scrabble theme, this clue continues the high-scoring word pattern while using a common exclamation.
Quick Fill: 4A for OPEN. Straightforward business terminology that most solvers will nail instantly, providing crucial crossing letters.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for theme clusters. Today's Scrabble scoring clues (6A and 2D) form a mini-theme - spotting one helps solve the other.
Abbreviations are your friend. Three-letter answers like OJS, SSN, and SNL often cross with longer words, giving you multiple entry points.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tomorrow at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The Scrabble scoring clues and spy references made for a balanced challenge. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
