Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Wednesday's grid brings a mix of workplace terminology, internet slang, and everyday objects. 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: "Toys that go on the decline in winter?" (1D)
Gimme Clue: "Dunkin' offering" (8A)
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. Employees, collectively
Hint: Think workplace group. Five letters, starts with S.
6A. The "L" of TTYL
Hint: Texting abbreviation for "see you later." Five letters, starts with L.
7A. Slowly lessen, as political support
Hint: What happens to a coastline over time. Five letters, starts with E.
8A. Dunkin' offering
Hint: Classic breakfast pastry. Five letters, starts with D.
9A. Tricky things to navigate with a stroller
Hint: What you climb to reach another floor. Five letters, starts with S.
Down Hints
1D. Toys that go on the decline in winter?
Hint: Winter sports equipment for sliding. Five letters, starts with S.
2D. Set of fortunetelling cards
Hint: Used by psychics for predictions. Five letters, starts with T.
3D. Make amends
Hint: Apologize or seek forgiveness. Five letters, starts with A.
4D. Out of patience
Hint: Two-word phrase meaning frustrated or annoyed.
5D. Guitar bars
Hint: Metal strips on a guitar neck. Five letters, starts with F.
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. Employees, collectively
Answer: STAFF
6A. The "L" of TTYL
Answer: LATER
7A. Slowly lessen, as political support
Answer: ERODE
8A. Dunkin' offering
Answer: DONUT
9A. Tricky things to navigate with a stroller
Answer: STEPS
Down Answers
1D. Toys that go on the decline in winter?
Answer: SLEDS
2D. Set of fortunetelling cards
Answer: TAROT
3D. Make amends
Answer: ATONE
4D. Out of patience
Answer: FED UP
5D. Guitar bars
Answer: FRETS
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: "Toys that go on the decline in winter?" for SLEDS. The wordplay on "decline" works both as a slope for sledding and as a decrease in temperature during winter months.
Wordplay Winner: "The 'L' of TTYL" for LATER. This clue cleverly references common texting shorthand (TTYL = "talk to you later") while asking for just one letter's meaning.
Quick Fill: "Dunkin' offering" for DONUT. This is an instant gimme for anyone familiar with the popular coffee chain's signature pastry.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for brand references like "Dunkin'" - these are almost always straightforward fill with common consumer knowledge.
When you see "The 'X' of Y" clues, think about common abbreviations and their expansions - TTYL is standard texting vocabulary.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The mix of workplace terms (STAFF), internet slang (LATER), and everyday objects (DONUT, SLEDS) made for a balanced Wednesday challenge. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
