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NYT Mini Crossword · The New York Times

Mini Crossword Clues & Answers for March 20, 2026

Friday, March 20, 2026

By Last updated How we make hints

This archive page covers the Mini Crossword from Friday, March 20, 2026. The Mini is a small daily crossword, usually 5×5, that most people finish in a minute or two, so it fits easily into a short break. Hints come first and the solution stays hidden until you ask for it.

10 clues · jump to Across or Down. Tap a tile for one letter, or Answer for the whole word.

Across clues & answers

  1. 7

Down clues & answers

Know someone stuck on this one? The link opens on the hints, not the answer.

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Previous Mini Crossword answer

Thursday, March 19, 2026

across

  • 1. Ghost's word: BOO
  • 4. Magician's "And just like that, it's gone!": POOF
  • 5. With 7-Across, it's full of stars: NIGHT
  • 6. White bills in Monopoly: ONES
  • 7. See 5-Across: SKY

down

  • 1. Score of 4 on a par 3: BOGEY
  • 2. ___ and aahs: OOHS
  • 3. Frequently, in poetry: OFT
  • 4. Like the sands of Harbour Island, Bahamas: PINK
  • 5. Dissenting votes: NOS
Hints and full breakdown for Mar 19

More daily puzzle hints

What makes the Mini different

The Mini packs a full crossword into a tiny grid, so every square matters: each letter belongs to both an Across and a Down answer. Clues tend to be breezy and modern (pop culture, everyday phrases, a little wordplay), and the timer makes it a favourite for friendly competition.

Grids are usually 5×5, and larger on some days. A new Mini is published the evening before its date (Eastern Time), so night owls can play tomorrow's puzzle early.

Solving faster

  • Sweep the Across clues first, filling only what you are sure of, then switch to Down. The crossings will confirm or correct your guesses.
  • Start with fill-in-the-blanks. Clues like "___ and cheese" are the quickest wins.
  • Trust the grammar. A plural clue means a plural answer; a past-tense clue usually means an answer ending in -ED.
  • Use partial reveals. On this page you can flip one letter of one answer, which is often enough to open up the whole corner.

For a specific clue in any crossword, try our crossword solver with the letters you already have.

Mini Crossword FAQ

When is the new Mini released?

The Mini usually goes live the evening before its date, US Eastern Time.

How big is the Mini?

Most days it is 5×5, occasionally a little larger. That still means every letter is checked by two clues.

Where can I find yesterday's Mini answers?

See our yesterday's Mini page, or browse every date in the Mini archive.