Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Wednesday's grid brings a mix of political terms and everyday expressions with some clever wordplay. 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: 1D. Kind of board
Gimme Clue: 9A. Primatologist's subjects
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. Remove from a position of power
Hint: Political term for forcing someone out of office
5A. Not cool
Hint: Opposite of trendy or fashionable
7A. "Fine, see if ___!"
Hint: Two-word phrase expressing sarcastic indifference
8A. Kind of bored
Hint: Adjective for someone who's seen it all
9A. Primatologist's subjects
Hint: Animals studied by Jane Goodall
Down Hints
1D. Kind of board
Hint: Mystical talking board used in séances
2D. Prepare to use, as a pen
Hint: Remove the top from a writing instrument
3D. Desirable place to sit on a hot day
Hint: Protection from the sun
4D. Pair on a bicycle
Hint: What touches the road on a bike
6D. ___ Xing (street sign)
Hint: Abbreviation for pedestrian
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. Remove from a position of power
Answer: OUST
5A. Not cool
Answer: UNHIP
7A. "Fine, see if ___!"
Answer: I CARE
8A. Kind of bored
Answer: JADED
9A. Primatologist's subjects
Answer: APES
Down Answers
1D. Kind of board
Answer: OUIJA
2D. Prepare to use, as a pen
Answer: UNCAP
3D. Desirable place to sit on a hot day
Answer: SHADE
4D. Pair on a bicycle
Answer: TIRES
6D. ___ Xing (street sign)
Answer: PED
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 1D. Kind of board for OUIJA. The clue cleverly plays on "board" as both a flat piece of wood and the Ouija board used in spiritualism, requiring solvers to think beyond the obvious.
Wordplay Winner: 7A. "Fine, see if ___!" for I CARE. This sarcastic expression is a common phrase that perfectly captures teenage indifference, making it both relatable and cleverly clued.
Quick Fill: 9A. Primatologist's subjects for APES. This straightforward clue references a well-known scientific field, making it an easy entry point for solvers.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for compound clues like "Kind of board" that can refer to multiple meanings. The answer OUIJA requires recognizing the specific "Ouija board" rather than any generic board type.
Common phrases like "I CARE" in sarcastic contexts often appear in crosswords. When you see quotation marks and casual expressions, think of everyday conversational phrases.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The mix of political terms like OUST with everyday items like TIRES and SHADE created a balanced challenge. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
