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
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
Across
Fan base of a major K-pop supergroup
The world's fastest-growing religion, with nearly 350 million new observers in the past decade
Like a thick winter jacket, say
Ticketmaster purchases
Down
Class for dummies?
Tool in a grooming kit
Helpful nuggets from experts
Publish again, as a magazine edition
Fuzzy boot brand
Skyward gust of air
Record of the Year and Best New Artist
Millennials' cohort, informally
Metal sought by a miner
T.S.A. ___Check
Me, in Marseilles
"The Da Vinci Code" author Brown
___ Romeo (sporty Italian car)
See Also
Explore more daily puzzles and NYT game solutions.