How many clues are in the NYT Mini Crossword?

The NYT Mini Crossword features a 5x5 grid with typically 10 clues total (5 Across and 5 Down), designed for fast solving in 30 seconds to 2 minutes.

What is the best strategy to solve the Mini quickly?

Start by filling in all direct fill-in-the-blank clues first, use intersecting letters to crack harder clues, and watch for plural words whose final letter is almost always S.

Puzzle #24737Zero Accidental Spoilers

Today's NYT Mini Crossword Hints & Answers: Clues for Thursday, Nov 12, 2026

Quick hints and answers for today's 5x5 NYT Mini Crossword for Thursday, Nov 12, 2026. Full Across and Down clue breakdowns.

Thursday, Nov 12, 2026

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4 min read

•Verified Live Solution

Solve the 5x5 grid clue-by-clue: peek hint definitions or reveal individual answers.

Across Clues (Horizontal)

5 Clues

Eye color of white tigers

Length: 4 letters

Home to the largest urban zoo in the United States, with "the"

Length: 5 letters

Mayonnaise-like condiment

Length: 5 letters

Not suited for leadership

Length: 5 letters

What Chik'n Nuggets and Beyond Burgers lack

Length: 4 letters

Down Clues (Vertical)

5 Clues

Pickle juice

Length: 5 letters

Shower scrubber

Length: 5 letters

Dark, as a room

Length: 5 letters

Door to the outside

Length: 4 letters

L. Frank ___, author of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz"

Length: 4 letters

NYT Mini Crossword Strategy Masterclass

Speed-Solving Blueprint

Target the 5-Across/5-Down intersection first—B in 5-Across and M in 5-Down are rare starters. Then, leverage 1-Across (E end) and 1-Down (B start) for quick fills.

Across & Down Intersection Strategy

Key Intersection:5-Across (BRONX) and 5-Down (BAUM) share the B—confirm early.

💡 Pro Tip:

Fill-in-the-Blank Hack: Start with 8-Across (MEAT)—direct and unambiguous.

Previous NYT Mini Crossword Answers Archive

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about today's NYT Mini Crossword puzzle and how hints work:

Today's NYT Mini Crossword features carefully verified categories and solutions revealed step-by-step above to preserve your streak without unwanted spoilers.