Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Thursday's grid brings a balanced mix of business jargon, literary references, 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: 11 (5 Across, 6 Down)
Trickiest Clue: "Penne ___ vodka" (Italian cooking term)
Gimme Clue: "Conceal" (straightforward synonym)
Theme Spotted: None today - general knowledge mix
Clue Decoder (Hints Only)
Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.
Across Hints
1. Degrees for boardroom execs
Hint: Business school graduate credentials, four letters
5. "___ want for Christmas …"
Hint: Completes the Mariah Carey lyric, four letters
6. What Hamlet holds while giving his "Alas, poor Yorick!" speech
Hint: Shakespearean prop, five letters
7. Wild, as an animal
Hint: Untamed, not domesticated, five letters
8. Sphere
Hint: Round object, three letters
Down Hints
1. Word after "match" or "mischief"
Hint: Creator or producer, five letters
2. Bit of writing on a book jacket
Hint: Promotional text, five letters
3. Penne ___ vodka
Hint: Italian cooking term meaning "in the style of", four letters
4. Window ledge
Hint: Bottom part of a window frame, four letters
5. Conceal
Hint: Simple synonym for "cover up", four letters
6. Bay Area airport, for short
Hint: San Francisco airport code, three letters
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1. Degrees for boardroom execs
Answer: MBAS
5. "___ want for Christmas …"
Answer: ALLI
6. What Hamlet holds while giving his "Alas, poor Yorick!" speech
Answer: SKULL
7. Wild, as an animal
Answer: FERAL
8. Sphere
Answer: ORB
Down Answers
1. Word after "match" or "mischief"
Answer: MAKER
2. Bit of writing on a book jacket
Answer: BLURB
3. Penne ___ vodka
Answer: ALLA
4. Window ledge
Answer: SILL
5. Conceal
Answer: HIDE
6. Bay Area airport, for short
Answer: SFO
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: "What Hamlet holds while giving his 'Alas, poor Yorick!' speech" for SKULL. Clever literary reference that requires specific Shakespeare knowledge beyond just recognizing the famous line.
Wordplay Winner: "Word after 'match' or 'mischief'" for MAKER. Simple but effective dual-meaning clue that plays on common compound words.
Quick Fill: "Conceal" for HIDE. Straightforward synonym clue that most solvers can fill instantly, providing crucial crossing letters for tougher clues.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for Italian cooking terms - "alla" appears frequently in pasta dishes and can be a quick fill once you recognize the pattern.
Business abbreviations like "MBAs" are common in crossword grids - memorize the standard ones to save time on corporate jargon clues.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The mix of business terms, Shakespeare references, and Italian cooking vocabulary tested multiple knowledge domains. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
