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
Try to tag
The answer is CHASE
Fictional sports icon with a statue by the Philadelphia Museum of Art
The answer is ROCKY
Loosen, as laces
The answer is UNTIE
Trigger for a werewolf's transformation
The answer is MOON
"It's freezing!"
The answer is BRR
Down
Table tidbit
The answer is CRUMB
Pay homage to
The answer is HONOR
Driver, Cooper or Butler
The answer is ACTOR
Poisonous part of a poison dart frog
The answer is SKIN
Needle opening
The answer is EYE
See Also
Explore more daily puzzles and NYT game solutions.