Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Wednesday's grid brings a mix of tech nostalgia and everyday vocabulary with straightforward cluing. 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. Computer function represented by a floppy disk icon
Gimme Clue: 8A. In the company of
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. Computer function represented by a floppy disk icon
Hint: Think file management, four letters, starts with S
5A. Want more than anything
Hint: Strong desire, five letters, starts with C
7A. Enticed, with "in"
Hint: Lured or persuaded, five letters, starts with R
8A. In the company of
Hint: Among others, five letters, starts with A
9A. Something to do "like it's 1999"
Hint: Celebration reference from Prince song, five letters, starts with P
Down Hints
1D. Leftover morsel of food
Hint: Small piece or fragment, five letters, starts with S
2D. Fragrance
Hint: Pleasant smell, five letters, starts with A
3D. What a humidifier emits
Hint: Moisture in the air, five letters, starts with V
4D. Curling or speed skating, for the Winter Olympics
Hint: Competition category, five letters, starts with E
6D. Risqué
Hint: Pushing boundaries, four letters, starts with E
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. Computer function represented by a floppy disk icon
Answer: SAVE
5A. Want more than anything
Answer: CRAVE
7A. Enticed, with "in"
Answer: ROPED
8A. In the company of
Answer: AMONG
9A. Something to do "like it's 1999"
Answer: PARTY
Down Answers
1D. Leftover morsel of food
Answer: SCRAP
2D. Fragrance
Answer: AROMA
3D. What a humidifier emits
Answer: VAPOR
4D. Curling or speed skating, for the Winter Olympics
Answer: EVENT
6D. Risqué
Answer: EDGY
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 1A for SAVE. The floppy disk icon reference tests generational knowledge, younger solvers might not recognize this classic computing symbol.
Wordplay Winner: 9A for PARTY. The "like it's 1999" phrase cleverly references Prince's hit song while asking for a simple five-letter answer.
Quick Fill: 8A for AMONG. This common preposition is a straightforward fill that helps unlock intersecting Down clues.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Start with the preposition clues like 8A (AMONG), they're usually the fastest solves and create anchor points for longer words.
Watch for pop culture references in short clues, 9A's "like it's 1999" points directly to PARTY, a common crossword answer.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The mix of tech nostalgia (SAVE) and pop culture (PARTY) made for a balanced Wednesday challenge. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
