Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Sunday's grid brings a mix of pop culture references and classic crossword fill. 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: 3D. The "Tyrannosaurus" of Tyrannosaurus rex
Gimme Clue: 2D. Quite a few
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. On-call doctor's device
Hint: Think 90s technology, beeps when you're needed
6A. Amazon virtual assistant
Hint: Female name, responds to "Alexa"
7A. Host of the 2026 Oscars
Hint: Late night comedian, first name starts with C
8A. Stumped on a puzzle, say
Hint: Opposite of moving forward, five letters
9A. Aves. and blvds.
Hint: Street abbreviations, plural form
Down Hints
1D. Election-influencing groups, for short
Hint: Political action committees abbreviation
2D. Quite a few
Hint: Common phrase meaning many, two words
3D. The "Tyrannosaurus" of Tyrannosaurus rex
Hint: Biological classification term, five letters
4D. Right on
Hint: Precise, accurate, synonym for correct
5D. Puts in order from best to worst, maybe
Hint: Creates a hierarchy, five letters
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
---
---
---
---
---
Across Answers
1A. On-call doctor's device
Answer: PAGER
6A. Amazon virtual assistant
Answer: ALEXA
7A. Host of the 2026 Oscars
Answer: CONAN
8A. Stumped on a puzzle, say
Answer: STUCK
9A. Aves. and blvds.
Answer: STS
Down Answers
1D. Election-influencing groups, for short
Answer: PACS
2D. Quite a few
Answer: ALOT
3D. The "Tyrannosaurus" of Tyrannosaurus rex
Answer: GENUS
4D. Right on
Answer: EXACT
5D. Puts in order from best to worst, maybe
Answer: RANKS
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 7A. Host of the 2026 Oscars for CONAN. This clue references a future event that has already happened, making it a timely pop culture reference for solvers in March 2026.
Wordplay Winner: 3D. The "Tyrannosaurus" of Tyrannosaurus rex for GENUS. Clever scientific wordplay that requires knowledge of biological classification.
Quick Fill: 2D. Quite a few for ALOT. This common phrase is instantly recognizable to most solvers, making it an easy entry point.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Start with the gimmes: ALOT (2D) and STS (9A) are common crossword fill that can give you immediate crossing letters.
Watch for abbreviations: PACS (1D) and STS (9A) both use shortened forms that are standard in crossword puzzles.
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 (CONAN, ALEXA) and classic fill (PAGER, EXACT) kept things balanced. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
