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
Fire-resistant part of a redwood
The answer is BARK
App featuring personalized videos from celebrities
The answer is CAMEO
Where to find sponges that are always wet
The answer is OCEAN
Rousey in the U.F.C. Hall of Fame
The answer is RONDA
Upturned parts of a canoe
The answer is ENDS
Down
Bring home the ___
The answer is BACON
Change, as a bill
The answer is AMEND
Passes time at the beach, maybe
The answer is READS
Beer brand with the Longboard Island Lager and Big Wave Golden Ale
The answer is KONA
What planks, Russian twists and mountain climbers help to exercise
The answer is CORE
See Also
Explore more daily puzzles and NYT game solutions.