Yesterday's hints
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The answer
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Why this answer
The letters, categories, or grid logic that made this one tricky.
What made this one tricky:
- The Mini answer set is split into 5 Across entries and 5 Down entries, so checking crossings is safer than reading the list straight through.
This fully open 5×5 grid uses ten five-letter entries. SMUSH and SHUSH differ by one crossing letter, making the upper-left corner the key. HIPPO, UNTIL, STOKE, and HYPED fill the Across rows, while MINTY, UPTOP, SPIKE, and HOLED complete the Down set through direct definitions and familiar phrases.
Recent Mini Crossword answers
Stuck on a streak day? Past solves keep you moving.
Catching up? Here are the most recent solutions.
| Date | Puzzle | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Sat, Aug 8, 2026 | Mini #24383 | Across: STAFF, MARBLE, PELICAN, OAT, BUD, UNISON, TINPOT, STEAK | Down: SALTINE, TRI, ABCBOOK, FLAUNT, FEND, MEANIT, POUTS, SPA |
| Fri, Aug 7, 2026 | Mini #24382 | Across: MAC, COLOR, ARGUE, BOARD, NET | Down: MORON, ALGAE, COURT, CAB, RED |
| Sat, Aug 1, 2026 | Mini #24357 | Across: DECAF, CICADA, ALMONDS, DAP, NET, MULLED, IDEAS, TEST | Down: DIMPLES, ECO, CANNES, ADDED, FAST, CLAUDE, ADMIT, LAT |
More from the desk
Why the grid fell quickly
With no blocks, every answer crosses five others. Lock the near-match SMUSH/SHUSH pair first, then use the H and P crossings to confirm the remaining rows and columns.
FAQ
What were the NYT Mini Crossword answers for August 9, 2026?
Across: SMUSH, HIPPO, UNTIL, STOKE, HYPED. Down: SHUSH, MINTY, UPTOP, SPIKE, HOLED.
What was the August 9 NYT Mini puzzle ID?
The August 9, 2026 Mini had puzzle ID 24364.
How large was the August 9 NYT Mini grid?
It was a fully open 5×5 grid with no blocked cells.
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