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
Only country to have a musical instrument (the harp) as its national emblem
The answer is IRELAND
Big name in rum
The answer is BACARDI
She holds the record for most #1 Billboard hits by a female rapper (5)
The answer is CARDIB
Ancient time-tracking device
The answer is SUNDIAL
Down
U.S. prez who served four terms
The answer is FDR
Small lie
The answer is FIB
Whom Count von Count of "Sesame Street" is a parody of
The answer is DRACULA
Takes back, as testimony
The answer is RECANTS
Hurry, in Shakespearean English
The answer is HIE
1920s U.S. president
The answer is HARDING
Home to the W.N.B.A.'s Fever
The answer is INDIANA
Weed gummies
The answer is EDIBLES
Cooking grease
The answer is LARD
Observed
The answer is SAW
Ctrl-___-Del
The answer is ALT
Opposite of SSW
The answer is NNE
Used to be
The answer is WAS
Jupiter or Saturn, primarily
The answer is GAS
See Also
Explore more daily puzzles and NYT game solutions.

