Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Thursday's grid brings a clever mix of wordplay and pop culture references. 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: 5A - Word whose letters are appropriately found from left to right in ... CHARISMA
Gimme Clue: 7A - ... UNSIGHTLY
Theme Spotted: None today
Clue Decoder (Hints Only)
Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.
Across Hints
1A. Poli ___ (college major)
Hint: Think political science abbreviation
4A. Person with a superior attitude
Hint: Four letters, starts with S, often looks down on others
5A. Word whose letters are appropriately found from left to right in ... CHARISMA
Hint: Look for consecutive letters within the word CHARISMA
6A. ... PRECIPITATION
Hint: Four-letter weather phenomenon, starts with R
7A. ... UNSIGHTLY
Hint: Four-letter synonym for unattractive, starts with U
Down Hints
1D. Slow-moving creature
Hint: Five letters, carries its home on its back
2D. Like a groan-inducing joke
Hint: Five letters, starts with C, describes cheesy humor
3D. Co. that created the first floppy disk
Hint: Three-letter tech giant, blue logo
4D. Furry variety of carpet
Hint: Four letters, starts with S, 70s style
5D. World Class Wreckin' ___, music group in which Dr. Dre got his start
Hint: Three letters, ends with U, hip-hop history
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. Poli ___ (college major)
Answer: SCI
4A. Person with a superior attitude
Answer: SNOB
5A. Word whose letters are appropriately found from left to right in ... CHARISMA
Answer: CHARM
6A. ... PRECIPITATION
Answer: RAIN
7A. ... UNSIGHTLY
Answer: UGLY
Down Answers
1D. Slow-moving creature
Answer: SNAIL
2D. Like a groan-inducing joke
Answer: CORNY
3D. Co. that created the first floppy disk
Answer: IBM
4D. Furry variety of carpet
Answer: SHAG
5D. World Class Wreckin' ___, music group in which Dr. Dre got his start
Answer: CRU
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 5A for CHARM. The clue cleverly hides the answer within CHARISMA - C-H-A-R-M appears consecutively from left to right, making it a satisfying "aha" moment.
Wordplay Winner: 5A again for CHARM. The "letters are appropriately found from left to right" construction is classic crossword wordplay that rewards careful reading.
Quick Fill: 7A for UGLY. The clue "... UNSIGHTLY" directly suggests its synonym, making this the easiest entry to fill and a good starting point.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for consecutive letter patterns like in 5A. When a clue mentions "letters found from left to right," scan the given word for hidden answers.
Tech history pays off. Knowing IBM created the first floppy disk (3D) gives you a quick three-letter fill that intersects with multiple across answers.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The CHARM hidden in CHARISMA was a clever touch, and the Dr. Dre history lesson in 5D added some hip-hop flavor. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
