Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Thursday's grid brings a classic 5x5 with clever wordplay and everyday vocabulary. 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. Something that a medical donor gives or a church has
Gimme Clue: 8A. [This person has read your message]
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. With 5-Across, response to "Knock, knock!"
Hint: The classic two-word response to a knock-knock joke starter
5A. See 1-Across
Hint: Second word in the knock-knock response, completes the phrase
6A. Dating app alternative to Tinder or Bumble
Hint: Popular dating app known for its "designed to be deleted" slogan
7A. Take the top off, as a tube of toothpaste
Hint: Opposite of "cap" with a prefix meaning "not" or "reverse"
8A. [This person has read your message]
Hint: Past participle of "see" - what appears in messaging apps
Down Hints
1D. Say "But, Mom!", say
Hint: What children do when complaining or protesting
2D. As a result
Hint: Formal word meaning "therefore" or "consequently"
3D. Something that a medical donor gives or a church has
Hint: Can refer to a body part for transplant or a musical instrument
4D. Flow slowly
Hint: What liquids do through small openings or porous materials
5D. As a result
Hint: Another word for "therefore" or "consequently"
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. With 5-Across, response to "Knock, knock!"
Answer: WHOS
5A. See 1-Across
Answer: THERE
6A. Dating app alternative to Tinder or Bumble
Answer: HINGE
7A. Take the top off, as a tube of toothpaste
Answer: UNCAP
8A. [This person has read your message]
Answer: SEEN
Down Answers
1D. Say "But, Mom!", say
Answer: WHINE
2D. As a result
Answer: HENCE
3D. Something that a medical donor gives or a church has
Answer: ORGAN
4D. Flow slowly
Answer: SEEP
5D. As a result
Answer: THUS
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 3D. Something that a medical donor gives or a church has for ORGAN. Clever dual meaning that works perfectly for both medical transplants and church musical instruments.
Wordplay Winner: 1A/5A. With 5-Across, response to "Knock, knock!" for WHOS THERE. Classic joke structure turned into a crossword clue with linked answers.
Quick Fill: 8A. [This person has read your message] for SEEN. Instant recognition for anyone who uses modern messaging apps with read receipts.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for linked clues like 1A and 5A - they're designed to be solved together. The "With 5-Across" indicator means these answers form a common phrase.
Recognize modern vocabulary: clues like 6A (dating app) and 8A (read message) test your awareness of contemporary culture and technology.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The knock-knock joke setup and dual-meaning ORGAN clue made for a satisfying solve. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
