Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Thursday's grid brings a compact 5x5 puzzle with clever wordplay and a celestial theme. 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: 4D - "Like the sands of Harbour Island, Bahamas"
Gimme Clue: 1A - "Ghost's word"
Theme Spotted: Celestial connection between 5A and 7A
Clue Decoder (Hints Only)
Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.
Across Hints
1A. Ghost's word
Hint: What you say to scare someone. Three letters.
4A. Magician's "And just like that, it's gone!"
Hint: Magician's sound effect when something disappears. Four letters.
5A. With 7-Across, it's full of stars
Hint: Opposite of day. Five letters.
6A. White bills in Monopoly
Hint: Lowest denomination in the game. Four letters.
7A. See 5-Across
Hint: What you see above you at night. Three letters.
Down Hints
1D. Score of 4 on a par 3
Hint: Golf term for one over par. Five letters.
2D. ___ and aahs
Hint: Sounds of amazement. Four letters.
3D. Frequently, in poetry
Hint: Archaic word for "often". Three letters.
4D. Like the sands of Harbour Island, Bahamas
Hint: Color of famous Caribbean beach sand. Four letters.
5D. Dissenting votes
Hint: Opposite of "yes" votes. Three letters.
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. Ghost's word
Answer: BOO
4A. Magician's "And just like that, it's gone!"
Answer: POOF
5A. With 7-Across, it's full of stars
Answer: NIGHT
6A. White bills in Monopoly
Answer: ONES
7A. See 5-Across
Answer: SKY
Down Answers
1D. Score of 4 on a par 3
Answer: BOGEY
2D. ___ and aahs
Answer: OOHS
3D. Frequently, in poetry
Answer: OFT
4D. Like the sands of Harbour Island, Bahamas
Answer: PINK
5D. Dissenting votes
Answer: NOS
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 4D for PINK. This clue requires specific geographic knowledge about Harbour Island's famous pink sand beaches, making it the puzzle's knowledge check.
Wordplay Winner: 4A for POOF. The magician's catchphrase clue perfectly captures the theatrical nature of magic tricks while leading to a satisfying four-letter answer.
Quick Fill: 1A for BOO. This three-letter gimme gives solvers immediate entry points and confidence to tackle the intersecting clues.
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. When clues reference each other, solve them as a unit, today's "NIGHT SKY" combination creates two intersecting answers that reinforce each other.
Recognize Monopoly terminology as crossword staples. The $1 bill clue (6A) appears frequently, making "ONES" a reliable fill when you see board game references.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The celestial theme and geographic trivia provided a balanced challenge. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
