Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Wednesday's grid brings a clean, fast 5x5 sprint packed with everyday vocabulary and one Hollywood curveball. 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. "À la ___", requires French vocabulary knowledge
Gimme Clue: 5A. "Statuette awarded at Hollywood's Dolby Theatre", a near-instant fill
Theme Spotted: None today, a straightforward mixed-bag puzzle
Clue Decoder (Hints Only)
Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.
Across Hints
1A. Sprinter's race
Hint: Think Olympic track event. Four letters, starts with D.
5A. Statuette awarded at Hollywood's Dolby Theatre
Hint: Gold figurine. The ceremony happens every spring. Five letters.
7A. À la ___
Hint: French term used on menus. Think "according to the ___." Five letters.
8A. Word meaning "details" or "glasses"
Hint: It's a plural noun that works for both specs and eyewear. Five letters.
9A. "What's the reason?"
Hint: A three-letter question word that starts with W.
Down Hints
1D. Google ___
Hint: Cloud-based productivity suite. Four letters.
2D. Immediately
Hint: Common acronym used in urgent messages. Four letters, starts with A.
3D. Twistable piece of hardware
Hint: Hardware fastener with a threaded shaft. Five letters.
4D. Devise, as a plan
Hint: To conceive or invent. Five letters, starts with H.
6D. Booking service that competes with OpenTable
Hint: Four-letter restaurant reservation app. Ends with Y.
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. Sprinter's race
Answer: DASH
Down Answers
1D. Google ___
Answer: DOCS
2D. Immediately
Answer: ASAP
3D. Twistable piece of hardware
Answer: SCREW
4D. Devise, as a plan
Answer: HATCH
5A. Statuette awarded at Hollywood's Dolby Theatre
Answer: OSCAR
6D. Booking service that competes with OpenTable
Answer: RESY
7A. À la ___
Answer: CARTE
8A. Word meaning "details" or "glasses"
Answer: SPECS
9A. "What's the reason?"
Answer: WHY
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 7A. "À la ___" for CARTE. The French phrasing is a classic crossword trick, it looks simple but trips up solvers who overthink it. It's a menu staple, not a philosophy term.
Wordplay Winner: 8A. "Word meaning 'details' or 'glasses'" for SPECS. This is pure crossword craftsmanship, one word, two completely different definitions, both equally valid. The dual meaning is elegant.
Quick Fill: 5A. "Statuette awarded at Hollywood's Dolby Theatre" for OSCAR. Unmissable. If you know the Oscars, you know the answer in under a second.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Start with the gimmes. OSCAR (5A) and WHY (9A) are instant fills that unlock major crossings. Build from there, ASAP (2D) and DOCS (1D) fall into place immediately once you have a few letters.
Watch for French and Latin holdovers. "À la ___" is a crossword staple that appears regularly. Memorize CARTE, MODE, and MINUTE, they cycle through frequently and save precious seconds.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The CARTE vs. SCREW intersection was the sneakiest moment, two short words that test your vocabulary range. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
