Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Wednesday's grid brings a balanced mix of pop culture 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: 10 (5 Across, 5 Down)
Trickiest Clue: 1A - Olympic figure skater reference requiring specific sports knowledge
Gimme Clue: 6A - Popcorn size that's straightforward and familiar
Theme Spotted: None today - standard Wednesday mix
Clue Decoder (Hints Only)
Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.
Across Hints
1A. ___ Glenn, Olympic figure skater who's a three-time U.S. national champion
Hint: Think of a gemstone color - this skater shares her name with a warm, yellowish-brown hue
6A. Popcorn size that might come in a bucket
Hint: Opposite of small - think movie theater portions
7A. "Lies and the Lying ___ Who Tell Them" (Al Franken book)
Hint: Plural of someone who doesn't tell the truth - completes the book title pun
8A. Close-up map
Hint: A detailed section within a larger map - often shows a specific area
9A. Prepares a home for a new baby
Hint: What birds do with twigs and leaves - also what parents might do with a nursery
Down Hints
1D. Bold poker declaration
Hint: When you bet everything you have - a high-stakes move
2D. Only U.S. state with a one-syllable name
Hint: Northeastern state known for lobsters and lighthouses
3D. Orchestra section with trumpets and horns
Hint: The loud, shiny section - also a type of metal
4D. "Great" or "Snowy" wading bird
Hint: Elegant white bird often seen in wetlands - starts with E
5D. Some sheet music squiggles
Hint: Musical notation indicating silence - periods of no playing
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. ___ Glenn, Olympic figure skater who's a three-time U.S. national champion
Answer: AMBER
6A. Popcorn size that might come in a bucket
Answer: LARGE
7A. "Lies and the Lying ___ Who Tell Them" (Al Franken book)
Answer: LIARS
8A. Close-up map
Answer: INSET
9A. Prepares a home for a new baby
Answer: NESTS
Down Answers
1D. Bold poker declaration
Answer: ALLIN
2D. Only U.S. state with a one-syllable name
Answer: MAINE
3D. Orchestra section with trumpets and horns
Answer: BRASS
4D. "Great" or "Snowy" wading bird
Answer: EGRET
5D. Some sheet music squiggles
Answer: RESTS
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 1A for AMBER. This clue required specific knowledge of Olympic figure skaters, testing sports trivia rather than general vocabulary.
Wordplay Winner: 7A for LIARS. The Al Franken book title "Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them" offers clever wordplay that completes naturally once you recognize the reference.
Quick Fill: 6A for LARGE. Popcorn sizes are universally familiar, making this the easiest entry point for today's grid.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Start with the gimmes - LARGE (6A) and MAINE (2D) provide solid crossing letters that unlock the rest of the grid quickly.
Watch for proper nouns - today's puzzle includes both a person (AMBER Glenn) and a place (MAINE), which follow different solving patterns than common words.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The mix of sports trivia (AMBER Glenn) and political humor (Al Franken's LIARS) made for a balanced Wednesday challenge. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
