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
De bugs?
Make funnier, as jokes
"Life is like a box of chocolates," for example
Dot on a domino
In an upbeat mood
Important topic in sex education
Leaves the Union
Down
Hoppy order at a happy hour
Convent member
Tech company with a bright yellow color scheme and ghost logo
Sun block?
Like many ingredients in a Cobb salad
Pull sharply
One with a secret identity
Syringe amts.
Garden tool with a long handle
Opposite of WSW
Certain football linemen: Abbr.
See Also
Explore more daily puzzles and NYT game solutions.