Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Wednesday's grid brings a mix of pop culture references and everyday vocabulary with a tech twist. 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: "With 2-Down, intentionally inflammatory posts"
Gimme Clue: "Dirty stuff"
Theme Spotted: None today
Clue Decoder (Hints Only)
Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.
Across Hints
1. The slightest amount
Hint: Think minimal quantity, two words, starts with A
5. With 2-Down, intentionally inflammatory posts
Hint: Online anger, four letters, often paired with "bait"
6. Dirty stuff
Hint: Grime, filth, five letters, starts with F
8. Five Below or 7-Eleven
Hint: Retail establishment, five letters, starts with S
9. Something used to steer a rowboat
Hint: Paddle alternative, three letters, starts with O
Down Hints
1. Sounds from a doggy daycare
Hint: Canine vocalizations, four letters, starts with A
2. See 5-Across
Hint: What you use to catch fish, four letters, starts with B
3. Domed home
Hint: Arctic dwelling, five letters, starts with I
4. Small, colorful fish that's popular in aquariums
Hint: Tropical fish, five letters, starts with T
7. 2013 film in which Joaquin Phoenix's character falls in love with an A.I. operating system
Hint: Sci-fi romance, three letters, starts with H
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1. The slightest amount
Answer: ABIT
5. With 2-Down, intentionally inflammatory posts
Answer: RAGE
6. Dirty stuff
Answer: FILTH
8. Five Below or 7-Eleven
Answer: STORE
9. Something used to steer a rowboat
Answer: OAR
Down Answers
1. Sounds from a doggy daycare
Answer: ARFS
2. See 5-Across
Answer: BAIT
3. Domed home
Answer: IGLOO
4. Small, colorful fish that's popular in aquariums
Answer: TETRA
7. 2013 film in which Joaquin Phoenix's character falls in love with an A.I. operating system
Answer: HER
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: "With 2-Down, intentionally inflammatory posts" for RAGE. This clue required connecting two separate entries (5-Across and 2-Down) to form the modern internet term "rage bait" - a clever nod to contemporary online culture.
Wordplay Winner: "2013 film in which Joaquin Phoenix's character falls in love with an A.I. operating system" for HER. The clue's specificity about the plot and year makes it a satisfying solve for film buffs, while the three-letter answer keeps it accessible.
Quick Fill: "Dirty stuff" for FILTH. Straightforward vocabulary clue with no wordplay tricks - a classic gimme that helps establish crossing letters for more challenging entries.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for connected clues like "With 2-Down" - these often form common phrases or modern terms. Solve both parts together to unlock multiple entries simultaneously.
Pop culture clues (like the film HER) often have short answers. If you recognize the reference, fill it in immediately - it provides valuable crossing letters for adjacent words.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The RAGE/BAIT combo and HER reference made this Wednesday puzzle a solid mix of modern vocabulary and pop culture. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
