September 4, 2026archive
NYT Mini Crossword — September 4, 2026
Hints — one at a time
Hint 1 of 5
Today's five-by-five opens with a three-across sequence spelling out a famous face people claim to see on the lunar surface, then a word for the opposite of tight.
Hint 2 of 5
The middle and final across answers link back to that first entry, completing the full phrase together.
Hint 3 of 5
Continue with a term for being called out by name in a social media post using the "@" symbol.
Hint 4 of 5
Down starts with a state's official slogan-like phrase, and a word for turning pale out of fear.
Hint 5 of 5
Finish down with a word for requiring something, the first name of the actor known for the "Taken" film series, and the phrase you'd hear right before something wild is about to happen.
The answer — spoilers!
Reveal the full answer
- With 6- and 8-Across, face seen in outer space — MAN
- Opposite of tight — LOOSE
- See 1-Across — INTHE
- Directly called out in a post, using an "@" — ATTED
- See 1-Across — MOON
- "Eureka" for California, or "Excelsior" for New York — MOTTO
- Pale with fright — ASHEN
- Have to have — NEED
- Actor Neeson of "Taken" — LIAM
- "Hold ___ your hat!" — ONTO
This puzzle by the numbers
- 5 across, 5 down
- LOOSE (5)
Counted from our own archive of NYT Mini Crossword answers — not published anywhere else.
