Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Thursday's grid brings a balanced mix of everyday vocabulary and one solid movie reference. 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: 5D. Game in which Paul Newman successfully cons a crime boss in "The Sting"
Gimme Clue: 3D. Dummy
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. Battery warning from a smoke detector
Hint: Think of the sound that tells you it's time for new batteries. Five letters, starts with C.
6A. Word that can precede "book" or "tour"
Hint: Related to sound. Five letters, starts with A.
7A. Extreme edge
Hint: The very limit or threshold. Five letters, starts with B.
8A. Like a wobbly screw
Hint: Not tight. Five letters, starts with L.
9A. Type in
Hint: Computer keyboard key. Five letters, starts with E.
Down Hints
1D. Alternative to streaming
Hint: Traditional TV delivery method. Five letters, starts with C.
2D. One of the Great Lakes
Hint: The second largest of the five. Five letters, starts with H.
3D. Dummy
Hint: Insult for someone foolish. Five letters, starts with I.
4D. Wash under a tap
Hint: Clean with water. Five letters, starts with R.
5D. Game in which Paul Newman successfully cons a crime boss in "The Sting"
Hint: Classic card game with betting. Five letters, starts with P.
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. Battery warning from a smoke detector
Answer: CHIRP
6A. Word that can precede "book" or "tour"
Answer: AUDIO
7A. Extreme edge
Answer: BRINK
8A. Like a wobbly screw
Answer: LOOSE
9A. Type in
Answer: ENTER
Down Answers
1D. Alternative to streaming
Answer: CABLE
2D. One of the Great Lakes
Answer: HURON
3D. Dummy
Answer: IDIOT
4D. Wash under a tap
Answer: RINSE
5D. Game in which Paul Newman successfully cons a crime boss in "The Sting"
Answer: POKER
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 5D for POKER. This clue requires specific movie knowledge from "The Sting," making it the puzzle's toughest challenge for those unfamiliar with the 1973 classic.
Wordplay Winner: 1A for CHIRP. The clue cleverly connects a common household sound to a smoke detector's battery warning, turning an everyday annoyance into crossword fodder.
Quick Fill: 3D for IDIOT. Straightforward vocabulary with no tricks or wordplay, the definition matches the answer exactly, making it the puzzle's easiest entry point.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for five-letter Great Lakes: HURON appears frequently in crosswords. When you see "One of the Great Lakes" with five spaces, HURON should be your first guess.
Recognize common computer terms: ENTER as "Type in" is a standard clue-answer pairing. These tech-related clues often use straightforward definitions rather than wordplay.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The Paul Newman reference in 5D was the main hurdle, while CHIRP and ENTER provided quick wins. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
