Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Wednesday's grid brings a solid mix of everyday vocabulary and specific knowledge. 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 - Language from which we get "cosmos" and "democracy"
Gimme Clue: 8A - Classroom station
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. Tequila cocktail that often comes in a salt-rimmed glass, casually
Hint: Think abbreviated cocktail name. Four letters, starts with M.
5A. Signature export of Cuba
Hint: Tobacco product. Five letters, starts with C.
6A. Bowl over
Hint: To astonish or impress greatly. Five letters, starts with A.
7A. Flood regulator
Hint: Embankment or dam. Five letters, starts with L.
8A. Classroom station
Hint: Where students sit and work. Four letters, starts with D.
Down Hints
1D. Acted without saying anything
Hint: Silent performance. Five letters, starts with M.
2D. Desert plant used in tequila production
Hint: Succulent plant with spiky leaves. Five letters, starts with A.
3D. Demolishes
Hint: Tears down completely. Five letters, starts with R.
4D. Language from which we get "cosmos" and "democracy"
Hint: Ancient European language. Five letters, starts with G.
5D. Berkeley campus, for short
Hint: University of California abbreviation. Three letters, starts with C.
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. Tequila cocktail that often comes in a salt-rimmed glass, casually
Answer: MARG
5A. Signature export of Cuba
Answer: CIGAR
6A. Bowl over
Answer: AMAZE
7A. Flood regulator
Answer: LEVEE
8A. Classroom station
Answer: DESK
Down Answers
1D. Acted without saying anything
Answer: MIMED
2D. Desert plant used in tequila production
Answer: AGAVE
3D. Demolishes
Answer: RAZES
4D. Language from which we get "cosmos" and "democracy"
Answer: GREEK
5D. Berkeley campus, for short
Answer: CAL
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 4D for GREEK. This clue requires specific etymological knowledge - recognizing that "cosmos" and "democracy" both derive from Greek roots. It's the kind of clue that separates casual solvers from crossword veterans.
Wordplay Winner: 1A for MARG. The word "casually" signals an abbreviation, turning "Margarita" into its familiar four-letter shorthand. It's a clean example of how the Mini uses everyday language shortcuts.
Quick Fill: 8A for DESK. This is the puzzle's gimme - a straightforward, common-sense clue that gives solvers an immediate foothold in the grid. Every puzzle needs at least one of these to get started.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for abbreviation indicators like "casually" or "for short" - they signal shortened answers. Today's MARG and CAL both followed this pattern.
When you see a clue about word origins (like 4D), think about common root languages. Greek and Latin are frequent sources for English words with classical origins.
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 (DESK, AMAZE) with specific knowledge (GREEK, AGAVE) made for a balanced Wednesday challenge. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
