Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Thursday's grid brings a 6x5 layout with ice cream nostalgia and clever wordplay. 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: 6x5
Total Clues: 11 (5 Across, 6 Down)
Trickiest Clue: 8A: "Whatever you decide is good with me"
Gimme Clue: 6D: "Woo-hoo!"
Theme Spotted: Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavor (CHERRY GARCIA)
Clue Decoder (Hints Only)
Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.
Across Hints
1A. When doubled, a breed of dog
Hint: Think of a dog breed that repeats its name. Starts with C.
5A. With 7-Across, Ben & Jerry's flavor named for a rock legend
Hint: This flavor features a fruit and a Grateful Dead guitarist's last name.
7A. See 5-Across
Hint: Last name of the Grateful Dead guitarist in the ice cream flavor.
8A. "Whatever you decide is good with me"
Hint: Sounds like "I'm easy" but written as one word.
9A. Whispered sound from a test cheater
Hint: Four-letter sound to get someone's attention quietly.
Down Hints
1D. Tournament victor
Hint: Five letters, starts with C. Think boxing or sports champion.
2D. "___ the scoop ..."
Hint: Common phrase meaning "here is" or "this is" the information.
3D. Killer whales
Hint: Five letters, starts with O. Marine mammals also called orcas.
4D. Place for a bracelet
Hint: Five letters, starts with W. Body part between hand and arm.
5D. Tech used for many of the ping-pong scenes in "Marty Supreme"
Hint: Three letters. Computer-generated imagery abbreviation.
6D. "Woo-hoo!"
Hint: Three-letter exclamation of excitement or celebration.
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. When doubled, a breed of dog
Answer: CHOW
5A. With 7-Across, Ben & Jerry's flavor named for a rock legend
Answer: CHERRY
7A. See 5-Across
Answer: GARCIA
8A. "Whatever you decide is good with me"
Answer: IMEASY
9A. Whispered sound from a test cheater
Answer: PSST
Down Answers
1D. Tournament victor
Answer: CHAMP
2D. "___ the scoop ..."
Answer: HERES
3D. Killer whales
Answer: ORCAS
4D. Place for a bracelet
Answer: WRIST
5D. Tech used for many of the ping-pong scenes in "Marty Supreme"
Answer: CGI
6D. "Woo-hoo!"
Answer: YAY
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 8A ("Whatever you decide is good with me") for IMEASY. This clue required phonetic thinking - it's not a standard phrase but sounds like "I'm easy" when spoken.
Wordplay Winner: 1A ("When doubled, a breed of dog") for CHOW. Clever construction hinting at CHOW CHOW, the dog breed that repeats its name.
Quick Fill: 6D ("Woo-hoo!") for YAY. Three-letter exclamation that's instantly recognizable and fills a key intersection.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for connected clues like 5A and 7A - they form a single answer (CHERRY GARCIA) across two entries. Solve one and the other falls into place.
Phonetic clues like 8A (IMEASY) often sound like common phrases. Say the clue out loud if you're stuck - the answer might be hiding in plain sound.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The Ben & Jerry's theme and clever dog breed wordplay made for a satisfying Thursday solve. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
