Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Sunday's grid brings a breezy 5x5 that leans into relaxation and summer vibes. 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: 2D, What the Tin Man wants from the Wizard of Oz (requires classic film knowledge)
Gimme Clue: 1D, Muscles exercised by crunches (a three-letter fitness staple)
Theme Spotted: Relaxation and leisure
Clue Decoder (Hints Only)
Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.
Across Hints
1. Sound of relaxation
Hint: Three letters. What you say when you sink into a hot bath or finally sit down after a long day.
4. Summer vacation destination
Hint: Five letters. Sandy shores, ocean waves, and sunscreen come to mind.
7. "In some bad news ..."
Hint: Five letters. A word that begins a somber announcement. Think "regrettably" or "unfortunately."
8. Extend, as a contract
Hint: Four letters. An informal term meaning to renew or sign on for another term.
9. Flying squirrel's landing point
Hint: Four letters. Woody and leafy, where squirrels make their homes.
Down Hints
1. Muscles exercised by crunches
Hint: Three letters. The core muscle group you're working at the gym.
2. What the Tin Man wants from the Wizard of Oz
Hint: Five letters. The Tin Man believes he lacks this emotional organ.
3. Bill of HBO's "Barry"
Hint: Five letters. The actor's last name, he created and stars in the hit dark comedy.
5. You're reading one
Hint: Four letters. A hint or piece of information that helps solve a mystery.
6. Super-excited, in slang
Hint: Four letters. Short for "hyper", all caps when you're really amped up.
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1. Sound of relaxation
Answer: AHH
4. Summer vacation destination
Answer: BEACH
7. "In some bad news ..."
Answer: SADLY
8. Extend, as a contract
Answer: REUP
9. Flying squirrel's landing point
Answer: TREE
Down Answers
1. Muscles exercised by crunches
Answer: ABS
2. What the Tin Man wants from the Wizard of Oz
Answer: HEART
3. Bill of HBO's "Barry"
Answer: HADER
5. You're reading one
Answer: CLUE
6. Super-excited, in slang
Answer: HYPE
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 2D, What the Tin Man wants from the Wizard of Oz for HEART. It's a pop-culture callback that tests whether you remember your classic cinema. If you haven't seen The Wizard of Oz in a while, this one can stall you.
Wordplay Winner: 5D, You're reading one for CLUE. A cleverly meta clue that points directly at the article you're reading. It's self-referential without being pretentious, exactly the kind of wink the Mini does best.
Quick Fill: 1D, Muscles exercised by crunches for ABS. Three letters, instantly recognizable to anyone who's done a sit-up. It's the perfect entry point to unlock the rest of the grid.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Start with the gimmes. ABS is your fastest entry, drop it in immediately and watch the Across clues above it start to click. A quick three-letter fill can unlock half the grid before you've even read the other clues.
Watch for pop-culture crossovers. HADER (3D) and HEART (2D) both rely on cultural knowledge, not vocabulary. If you're stuck, scan for entertainment references first, they're often the roadblocks that slow down otherwise straightforward solves.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tomorrow at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? Whether AHH was your reaction to the finish line or SADLY summed up a tricky solve, every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
