How NYT Mini Crossword Works
The NYT Mini Crossword is a bite-sized daily puzzle created by Joel Fagliano. Unlike the standard 15x15 daily crossword, the Mini features a compact 5x5 grid designed to be solved in under two minutes.
- Across & Down Clues are divided into horizontal (Across) and vertical (Down) directions with numbers matching grid coordinates.
- Progressive Hints Use Hint 1 for a descriptive nudge or Hint 2 for starting and ending letter bounds before using full reveals.
- Daily Reset New Mini puzzles drop daily at 10:00 PM EST on weekdays/Saturdays and 6:00 PM EST on Sundays.
NYT Mini Hints and Solutions for 4. October, 2026
Across and Down clue hints for today's Mini.
Across
5 Across: Leader of the Pussycats, in comics and film
6 Across: In a nutshell
7 Across: 2026 N.B.A. champions
8 Across: Denial that sounds like 7-Across in Pig Latin
Down
1 Down: "Santa Claus Is ___ to Town" (holiday hit)
2 Down: Pet adoption org.
3 Down: Like the texture of fine bedsheets
4 Down: Bad things to leave locked in your house
5 Down: "We said the same thing at the same time!"
6 Down: Hit the slopes
Today's NYT Mini FAQ
How many clues are in today's NYT Mini crossword?
Today's Mini (#24457, 2026-10-04) has 11 clues — 5 Across and 6 Down.
What size is today's Mini grid?
A 6x5 grid.
What's the longest answer today?
6 letters — no spoilers, but that's your longest foothold if you're stuck.