Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Wednesday's grid brings a crisp mix of winter imagery and straightforward 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: Word before "card," "flood" or "photography"
Gimme Clue: Egg layer
Theme Spotted: Cold/winter references mixed with everyday terms
Clue Decoder (Hints Only)
Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.
Across Hints
1. Word before "card," "flood" or "photography"
Hint: Think of something that happens quickly or a camera accessory
6. Joust weapon
Hint: Medieval tournament equipment, five letters
7. Brain, heart or lungs
Hint: Part of the body, often donated
8. "Frozen" reindeer
Hint: Disney character name, four letters
9. What can be found on frozen roads or frozen margaritas
Hint: Used for melting ice or seasoning, four letters
Down Hints
1. Follow a dentist's recommendation
Hint: Dental hygiene routine, five letters
2. Baby bug
Hint: Insect in early development stage, five letters
3. Shape made in the snow
Hint: Winter activity involving lying down, five letters
4. Very little
Hint: Barely enough, five letters
5. Egg layer
Hint: Farm bird, three letters
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1. Word before "card," "flood" or "photography"
Answer: FLASH
6. Joust weapon
Answer: LANCE
7. Brain, heart or lungs
Answer: ORGAN
8. "Frozen" reindeer
Answer: SVEN
9. What can be found on frozen roads or frozen margaritas
Answer: SALT
Down Answers
1. Follow a dentist's recommendation
Answer: FLOSS
2. Baby bug
Answer: LARVA
3. Shape made in the snow
Answer: ANGEL
4. Very little
Answer: SCANT
5. Egg layer
Answer: HEN
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: "Word before 'card,' 'flood' or 'photography'" for FLASH. Cleverly requires solvers to think across multiple contexts, technology, weather, and photography, all sharing the same prefix.
Wordplay Winner: "What can be found on frozen roads or frozen margaritas" for SALT. Smart dual-reference clue that connects winter safety with cocktail preparation.
Quick Fill: "Egg layer" for HEN. Straightforward three-letter answer that provides crucial crossing letters for the grid's bottom right.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for multi-context clues like 1-Across. When a clue lists multiple phrases with the same first word, that word is almost always the answer.
Three-letter answers like HEN (5-Down) are often gimmes. Fill these first to unlock crossing letters for trickier clues.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The winter theme with SALT, ANGEL, and SVEN gave a seasonal touch to Wednesday's solve. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
