The New York Times Mini Crossword may be small, but it’s designed to catch you off guard.
Unlike its full-sized cousin, the Mini forces you to think quickly. It packs a sharp mental workout into a compact 5x5 grid, ideal for short breaks.
A tiny puzzle doesn't mean it’s always easy.
When you’re stuck on a clue, our daily hints and answers will help keep the momentum going.
Where to Play
You can play the Mini Crossword on the New York Times website, the NYT Games app, or within the Play tab of the main News app.
Past puzzles are available to Games and All Access subscribers.
When the Puzzle Drops
- Weekdays + Saturdays: Available at 10 p.m. EST the night before.
- Sundays: Drops earlier at 6 p.m. EST on Saturday.
How It Works
Fill the grid by solving Across and Down clues. You’ll know you’ve solved it correctly when music plays and a congratulatory message appears.
There’s no streak feature like Wordle, but you can track your solve time and compete with friends on the Mini leaderboard.
Game Features and Shortcuts
- Timer: See how quickly you can complete the puzzle.
- Reveal and Check tools: If you’re stuck, reveal a letter, word, or check your answers.
- Keyboard shortcuts: Use arrow keys, spacebar, tab, and more (on desktop).
- Pen and Pencil Mode: Toggle between confident solves and tentative guesses.
Across
With 4-Across, non-alcoholic drink with a flavor reminiscent of beer
The answer is HOP
See 1-Across
The answer is WATER
Houston M.L.B. player
The answer is ASTRO
Sister's daughter
The answer is NIECE
"Just ___ a bite" (parent's dinner encouragement)
The answer is TRY
Down
Possesses a certain unnameable quality
The answer is HASIT
Animal that's the mascot of California State University, Monterey Bay
The answer is OTTER
Best friend of Thomas the Tank Engine
The answer is PERCY
Sickly in appearance
The answer is WAN
Spheres on a sushi roll
The answer is ROE
See Also
Explore more daily puzzles and NYT game solutions.