July 16, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword hints & answer
The Mini is a bite-sized version of the classic NYT crossword — typically a 5x5 grid built to be solved in a minute or two, with standard across and down clues. Same rules as the full crossword, scaled down for a quick daily session.
Hints — one at a time
Hint 1 of 5
Today's grid leans on office and internet culture — one clue is internet shorthand for summing something up quickly.
Hint 2 of 5
A wine lover's clue points to a river valley in France known for crisp white wines.
Hint 3 of 5
Two linked clues together describe the mythical goal of having zero unread messages.
Hint 4 of 5
A down clue about the zodiac points to the sign represented by a scale.
Hint 5 of 5
Look for a short, urgent exclamation meaning "right now".
The answer — spoilers!
Reveal the full answer
- "In summary …", in internet shorthand — TLDR
- ___ Valley (French wine area) — LOIRE
- With 7-Across, aspirational state to achieve in one's work email — INBOX
- See 6-Across — ZERO
- "Right away!" — ASAP
- Sounds before going to voicemail — TONES
- Zodiac sign in early autumn — LIBRA
- Sag — DROOP
- Pet name on a par with Fido and Rover — REX
- Actress/singer Minnelli — LIZA
Want the strategy, not just today's answer? Read the full daily puzzle lineup.