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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.

Play NYT Mini Crossword →

✅ Updated today · November 1, 2026

Compiled by the AAH7 Editorial Team · checked against the sources below · last checked November 1, 2026 · how we test

Hints — one at a time

Hint 1 of 5

Today's grid opens across with the alphabet song little kids sing, then the gesture of clapping your hands to show approval.

Hint 2 of 5

Continue across with an adjective for someone who won't stop complaining, the remote-control button marked with a little house, and an awkward phrase you never want to hear mid-haircut.

Hint 3 of 5

Down begins with the sound you make when you sneeze, and the blimp brand famous for floating over football games.

Hint 4 of 5

Continue down with the striped decorations often hung on a Christmas tree, and a secret agent working undercover.

Hint 5 of 5

Down ends with the classic rock band behind "Pinball Wizard."

The answer — spoilers!

Reveal the full answer

Across

  • Preschoolers sing them — ABCS
  • Give applause — CLAP
  • Constantly complaining — WHINY
  • Remote button with a house icon — HOME
  • Bad comment to hear from your barber — OOPS

Down

  • Sneeze sound — ACHOO
  • Goodyear aircraft — BLIMP
  • Some decorations on Christmas trees — CANES
  • Undercover agent — SPY
  • "Pinball Wizard" band, with "The" — WHO
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 2026-11-01, 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?

Where the puzzle's publisher makes the day's solution available we take it from there; otherwise at least two independently published sources have to agree before we publish — see how we test for the full process.

Previous days

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