NYT Mini Crossword · The New York Times
Today's Mini Crossword Clues & Answers for October 29, 2026
Thursday, October 29, 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 for Thursday, October 29, 2026 will appear here as soon as our puzzle team publishes them.
The Mini Crossword puzzle for today (October 29, 2026) hasn't been added yet.
A new Mini Crossword usually appears the evening before its date (Eastern Time). Our puzzle team adds hints shortly after release, so check back soon. In the meantime, you can read our strategy guide below.
More daily puzzle hints
- WordleGuess the five-letter word in six triesToday · Oct 29 · #1958
- ConnectionsSort 16 words into four hidden groupsToday · Oct 29 · #1236
- StrandsFind the themed words hidden in a letter gridToday · Oct 29 · #970
- Spelling BeeMake words from seven letters around a center letterToday · Oct 29
- Connections: Sports EditionConnections with a sports-only word poolGuide & tips
- Letter BoxedChain words around a square using all 12 lettersToday · Oct 29 · #2886
- The CrosswordThe classic daily crossword, easiest on MondayGuide & tips
- Midi CrosswordThe mid-size crossword between the Mini and the dailyGuide & tips
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.