Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Tuesday's grid brings a mix of everyday vocabulary and literary trivia. 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: 9A - David Szalay novel that won the 2025 Booker Prize
Gimme Clue: 7A - Rub off, as pencil markings
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. Goosebumps-inducing
Hint: Think horror movies or spooky stories. Five letters.
6A. Buddy, informally
Hint: Slang term for friend. Five letters, starts with H.
7A. Rub off, as pencil markings
Hint: What you do with a pencil eraser. Five letters.
8A. Enjoys a quiet weekend morning, perhaps
Hint: Relaxes without doing much. Five letters, starts with L.
9A. David Szalay novel that won the 2025 Booker Prize
Hint: Literary award winner from last year. Five letters, starts with F.
Down Hints
1D. Section of a bookcase
Hint: Where books rest. Five letters.
2D. Color similar to salmon that's also named for a sea creature
Hint: Pinkish-orange hue from the ocean. Five letters.
3D. Leave speechless
Hint: Astonish or stun. Five letters.
4D. Gets out of bed
Hint: Opposite of lies down. Five letters, starts with R.
5D. "Uff-da!"
Hint: Expression of dismay or frustration. Five letters.
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. Goosebumps-inducing
Answer: SCARY
6A. Buddy, informally
Answer: HOMIE
7A. Rub off, as pencil markings
Answer: ERASE
8A. Enjoys a quiet weekend morning, perhaps
Answer: LAZES
9A. David Szalay novel that won the 2025 Booker Prize
Answer: FLESH
Down Answers
1D. Section of a bookcase
Answer: SHELF
2D. Color similar to salmon that's also named for a sea creature
Answer: CORAL
3D. Leave speechless
Answer: AMAZE
4D. Gets out of bed
Answer: RISES
5D. "Uff-da!"
Answer: YEESH
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 5D for YEESH. The colloquial "Uff-da!" expression requires familiarity with Midwestern or Scandinavian-American slang, making it a regional challenge for some solvers.
Wordplay Winner: 2D for CORAL. The clue cleverly connects a color (similar to salmon) with its marine origin (sea creature), creating a satisfying double-meaning solve.
Quick Fill: 7A for ERASE. This straightforward clue about pencil markings provides an instant entry point that helps unlock intersecting words.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for colloquial expressions like "Uff-da!" - they often signal short, punchy answers (YEESH) that can be confirmed through crossing letters.
Literary prize clues (9A) require specific knowledge but follow patterns - recent Booker Prize winners are fair game, so staying current with literary awards pays off.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The mix of everyday vocabulary (ERASE, SHELF) with literary trivia (FLESH) and colloquial expressions (YEESH) kept things interesting. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
