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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.

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✅ Updated today · September 14, 2026

Compiled by the AAH7 Editorial Team · checked against the sources below · last checked September 14, 2026 · how we test

Hints — one at a time

Hint 1 of 5

Today's five-by-five opens with the network behind competitive reality shows about surviving on an island and living under one roof, then a sweet after-dinner wine.

Hint 2 of 5

Continue across with a brief on-screen appearance a famous director was known for making in nearly all his films, and a description of elephants known for smaller, rounder ears.

Hint 3 of 5

The last across answer is part of the title of a cult musical that returned to Broadway with a wave of Tony nominations.

Hint 4 of 5

Down starts with a word before "relief," "book," or "strip," and a word for suddenly snapping something off.

Hint 5 of 5

Finish down with a word for being emotionally cold and unfeeling, the West Texas city that follows "El," and a common, expensive present for a teenager's milestone birthday.

The answer — spoilers!

Reveal the full answer

Across

  • Channel for "Survivor" and "Big Brother" — CBS
  • Dessert wine — PORT
  • Alfred Hitchcock famously made one in 40 of his 53 films — CAMEO
  • Like elephants distinguished by their smaller rounded ears — ASIAN
  • "The ___ Horror Show," 2026 Broadway revival with nine Tony nominations — ROCKY

Down

  • Word before relief, book or strip — COMIC
  • Snap (off) — BREAK
  • Cold and unfeeling — STONY
  • El ___, West Texas metropolis — PASO
  • Expensive gift for a 16th birthday — CAR
A five by five mini crossword grid with two dark blocker squares and small clue numbers, SKY filled in across the top row and SUN filled in down the left column
The Mini is a five-by-five grid, so a couple of crossings usually unlock the whole thing. Example board, not today’s puzzle.

FAQ

Is this the NYT Mini Crossword answer for today?

Yes — this page always shows our latest NYT Mini Crossword entry, dated 2026-09-14, and it updates every morning. Earlier days are archived and linked below.

Are the hints spoiler-safe?

Hints are progressive and hidden behind a tap — open them one at a time and stop as soon as you've got enough. The full answer stays hidden until you open it separately.

How do you make sure the answer is correct?

We cross-check every daily answer against at least two independently published sources before publishing — see how we test for the full process.

Previous days

Want the strategy, not just today's answer? Read the full daily puzzle lineup.