Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Thursday's grid brings a tight 5x5 layout with clever wordplay and a few head-scratchers that reward lateral thinking. 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: "Animal that has a symbiotic relationship with green algae, which grows in its fur", requires niche biology knowledge
Gimme Clue: "Color associated with passion", RED is about as straightforward as it gets
Theme Spotted: None today, a clean mix of trivia, wordplay, and everyday vocabulary
Clue Decoder (Hints Only)
Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.
Across Hints
1. It takes you from E to F (and starts with G!)
Hint: Think about what fuels a car. Three letters, starts with G.
4. Animal that has a symbiotic relationship with green algae, which grows in its fur
Hint: This slow-moving mammal spends most of its life hanging upside down in trees. Five letters.
6. Societal no-no
Hint: Something forbidden or off-limits by custom. Five letters, starts with T.
7. "Sorry, unavailable then"
Hint: A polite way to decline an invitation. Five letters, starts with I.
8. Color associated with passion
Hint: The color of roses and valentines. Three letters.
Down Hints
1. Turn in the fridge, maybe
Hint: What happens to milk left out too long. Five letters, starts with G.
2. Lots and lots
Hint: A large amount. Four letters, starts with A.
3. Something a bartender or basketball player might make
Hint: Both professions take this, one behind the bar, one on the court. Four letters, starts with S.
4. Mix, as a sauce
Hint: What you do with a whisk to combine ingredients. Four letters, starts with S.
5. Frilly material
Hint: Decorative fabric often used on curtains or dresses. Four letters, starts with L.
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1. It takes you from E to F (and starts with G!)
Answer: GAS
4. Animal that has a symbiotic relationship with green algae, which grows in its fur
Answer: SLOTH
6. Societal no-no
Answer: TABOO
7. "Sorry, unavailable then"
Answer: ICANT
8. Color associated with passion
Answer: RED
Down Answers
1. Turn in the fridge, maybe
Answer: GOBAD
2. Lots and lots
Answer: ATON
3. Something a bartender or basketball player might make
Answer: SHOT
4. Mix, as a sauce
Answer: STIR
5. Frilly material
Answer: LACE
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: "Animal that has a symbiotic relationship with green algae, which grows in its fur" for SLOTH. This clue packs a surprising biology lesson into a Mini grid. The algae-sloth symbiosis is a real phenomenon, the algae provides camouflage while the sloth gives it a mobile home. A clever deep-cut that rewards science trivia.
Wordplay Winner: "It takes you from E to F (and starts with G!)" for GAS. The clue plays on the gas pedal moving a car from E (empty) to F (full) on the fuel gauge, while also hinting at the letter G as the first letter. Clean, layered, and satisfying.
Quick Fill: "Color associated with passion" for RED. Three letters, universally known, and the most straightforward clue in the grid. Instant confidence builder.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for parenthetical hints. The "(and starts with G!)" in 1-Across isn't decorative, it's a direct letter giveaway. Mini constructors often embed clues inside parentheses or exclamation points. Train your eye to spot these shortcuts immediately.
Symbiotic clues = multi-word answers. When a clue is unusually long for a Mini (like 4-Across), the answer is often a compact noun. SLOTH is only five letters but the clue is a full sentence. Don't let verbose clues intimidate you, the answer is almost always short and familiar.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The GAS / GOBAD cross was a nice early test, and the SLOTH clue was a reminder that Mini constructors love sneaking real science into small packages. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
