Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Thursday's grid brings a mix of pop culture, common phrases, and a dash of ornithology. 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. Extinct flightless pigeons (don't worry, you've heard of this answer!)
Gimme Clue: 8A. Kitchen appliance with burners
Theme Spotted: None today
Clue Decoder (Hints Only)
Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.
Across Hints
1. Pop music's ___ Bunny
Hint: Think Puerto Rican reggaeton superstar. Three letters, starts with B.
4. Unaccompanied
Hint: No one else around. Five letters, starts with A.
7. Date circled in blue on a Google Calendar
Hint: What day is it right now? Five letters, starts with T.
8. Kitchen appliance with burners
Hint: You cook on top of it. Five letters, starts with S.
9. The "S" of GPS: Abbr.
Hint: The system that makes navigation work. Three letters, starts with S.
Down Hints
1. Takes a turn at the plate
Hint: Baseball season is in full swing. Four letters, starts with B.
2. Tons and tons
Hint: A whole heap. Four letters, starts with A.
3. Extinct flightless pigeons (don't worry, you've heard of this answer!)
Hint: These birds gave a famous expression about the past. Five letters, starts with D.
5. Dark shade of blue
Hint: Think military uniforms or a classic color. Four letters, starts with N.
6. Googly ___
Hint: What you make at someone when you're smitten. Four letters, starts with E.
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1. Pop music's ___ Bunny
Answer: BAD
4. Unaccompanied
Answer: ALONE
7. Date circled in blue on a Google Calendar
Answer: TODAY
8. Kitchen appliance with burners
Answer: STOVE
9. The "S" of GPS: Abbr.
Answer: SYS
Down Answers
1. Takes a turn at the plate
Answer: BATS
2. Tons and tons
Answer: ALOT
3. Extinct flightless pigeons (don't worry, you've heard of this answer!)
Answer: DODOS
5. Dark shade of blue
Answer: NAVY
6. Googly ___
Answer: EYES
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 3D "Extinct flightless pigeons (don't worry, you've heard of this answer!)" for DODOS. The parenthetical wink assures solvers they know this word, but the plural "pigeons" and the extinct status might throw you off from the obvious. Smart misdirection.
Wordplay Winner: 7A "Date circled in blue on a Google Calendar" for TODAY. It's a clever meta-clue, the answer is literally the day you're solving. No trivia required, just a glance at the calendar.
Quick Fill: 8A "Kitchen appliance with burners" for STOVE. Straightforward, five letters, no tricks. The kind of clue that locks in instantly and helps you build 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. STOVE and ALONE are unambiguous fill-ins that give you a solid foundation. Lock those in first, then let the crossings handle the trickier entries like DODOS and BAD.
Watch for pop culture shortcuts. "Bad Bunny" is a household name in 2026, and BAD at 1-Across is a fast entry if you're tuned into music. Knowing current artists gives you an edge in modern crosswords.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The DODOS clue was a playful highlight, and the TODAY meta-clue was a nice touch for a Thursday. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
