Mini Crossword

Word

Mini Crossword

A small, quick crossword puzzle that changes daily.

Play

What is Mini Crossword?

The Mini Crossword is a compact daily crossword puzzle from The New York Times. It's a 5×5 grid that can typically be solved in just a few minutes, making it perfect for a quick mental workout.

Unlike traditional crosswords, the Mini is designed to be accessible and fast-paced.

Mini Crossword Rules

  1. Grid Size: 5×5 grid (25 squares)
  2. Clues: Usually 5 across and 5 down clues
  3. Daily Puzzle: New puzzle every day
  4. Timed: Track how fast you can solve it
  5. No Themes: Unlike larger crosswords, Minis typically don't have themes
  6. Difficulty: Generally easier than full-size crosswords

How To Play Mini Crossword

Example Clues

Across:

  1. Opposite of night (3 letters)
  2. Cat sound (4 letters)
  3. Large body of water (3 letters)

Down:

  1. Breakfast food (4 letters)
  2. Yes or ___ (2 letters)
  3. Opposite of out (2 letters)

Solving Strategy

  1. Start with Easy Clues: Fill in the answers you know immediately
  2. Use Crossing Letters: Let solved answers help with intersecting words
  3. Think Short: Most answers are 3-5 letters
  4. Common Words: Minis use everyday vocabulary

Example Solution

Across:

  1. DAY
  2. MEOW
  3. SEA

Down:

  1. DONUT (or BAGEL)
  2. NO
  3. IN

Mini Crossword Strategy Tips

  1. Fill Easy Ones First: Start with clues you know immediately
  2. Use Intersections: Crossing letters are your best friends
  3. Think Common: Answers are usually common, everyday words
  4. Short Answers: Most answers are 3-4 letters
  5. Letter Patterns: English has common letter patterns (TH, ING, ED)
  6. Don't Overthink: The Mini is designed to be straightforward

Common Clue Types

Direct Definitions

  • "Opposite of hot" → COLD
  • "Cat sound" → MEOW
  • "Large body of water" → SEA

Fill in the Blank

  • "Black and ___" → WHITE
  • "___ and crafts" → ARTS
  • "Peanut butter and ___" → JELLY

Abbreviations

  • "Doctor's org." → AMA
  • "Airport code for Los Angeles" → LAX

Wordplay

  • "What this clue is" → HINT
  • "Puzzle you're solving" → MINI

Time Benchmarks

  • ⚡ Under 30 seconds: Expert
  • 🏃 30-60 seconds: Very Good
  • 👍 1-2 minutes: Good
  • 📚 2-5 minutes: Learning
  • 🎓 5+ minutes: Beginner

Tips for Improving

  1. Play Daily: Consistency improves pattern recognition
  2. Learn Common Words: Crosswords reuse certain words (ERA, ORE, ALE)
  3. Expand Vocabulary: Read widely to know more words
  4. Practice Speed: Try to beat your previous times
  5. Check Archives: Practice with past puzzles

Where To Play Mini Crossword?

Official game website:

👉 https://www.nytimes.com/crosswords/game/mini

New puzzle updates daily. Free to play, though NYT subscription unlocks archives and other features.