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
Pond gunk
The answer is SCUM
With 8-Across, like an unlimited buffet
The answer is ALLYOU
See 5-Across
The answer is CANEAT
Opponent of Athens in the Peloponnesian War
The answer is SPARTA
"Keep it down!"
The answer is SHH
Down
Outs that advance the runner, in baseball lingo
The answer is SACS
Put your hands together
The answer is CLAP
Bone on the same side of the arm as the pinky
The answer is ULNA
Mike who voiced Shrek
The answer is MYERS
Hippocratic ___ (doctor's pledge)
The answer is OATH
State with license plates that read "Greatest Snow on Earth"
The answer is UTAH
See Also
Explore more daily puzzles and NYT game solutions.