Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Wednesday's grid brings a mix of modern slang, historical trivia, 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: 7A. 2024 film role for which Mikey Madison won Best Actress
Gimme Clue: 9A. Shape of a round chart
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. Abruptly stop texting
Hint: Modern dating term for disappearing without explanation
6A. Shaving kit item
Hint: Five-letter grooming tool with a sharp blade
7A. 2024 film role for which Mikey Madison won Best Actress
Hint: Five-letter film title, recent award winner
8A. The ancient Chinese used compressed blocks of tea leaves as this
Hint: Medium of exchange, five letters
9A. Shape of a round chart
Hint: Three-letter dessert often shown in slices
Down Hints
1D. Dad's dad, informally
Hint: Five-letter affectionate term for grandfather
2D. Capital of Vietnam
Hint: Five-letter Asian capital city
3D. ___ layer, part of Earth's atmosphere
Hint: Five-letter atmospheric layer that protects from UV rays
4D. How you might wake up after sleeping funny
Hint: Four-letter word for achy or painful
5D. Cafeteria food carrier
Hint: Four-letter item for carrying multiple plates
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. Abruptly stop texting
Answer: GHOST
6A. Shaving kit item
Answer: RAZOR
7A. 2024 film role for which Mikey Madison won Best Actress
Answer: ANORA
8A. The ancient Chinese used compressed blocks of tea leaves as this
Answer: MONEY
9A. Shape of a round chart
Answer: PIE
Down Answers
1D. Dad's dad, informally
Answer: GRAMP
2D. Capital of Vietnam
Answer: HANOI
3D. ___ layer, part of Earth's atmosphere
Answer: OZONE
4D. How you might wake up after sleeping funny
Answer: SORE
5D. Cafeteria food carrier
Answer: TRAY
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 7A for ANORA. This clue requires specific knowledge of 2024 film awards and recent Best Actress winners, making it the most obscure reference in today's grid.
Wordplay Winner: 1A for GHOST. The clue "Abruptly stop texting" cleverly references modern dating terminology where "ghosting" means suddenly cutting off communication without explanation.
Quick Fill: 9A for PIE. The clue "Shape of a round chart" is a straightforward reference to pie charts, making this the easiest three-letter fill in the puzzle.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for modern slang: Clues like 1A's "ghost" reference contemporary terminology that might not be in traditional crossword dictionaries but are common in everyday language.
Leverage geography basics: Down clues like 2D (HANOI) and 3D (OZONE) test fundamental knowledge that's quick to recall if you have the basics down.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The mix of modern slang (GHOST), historical trivia (MONEY from tea leaves), and pop culture (ANORA) made for a balanced Wednesday challenge. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
