The New York Times Mini Crossword is a fast, fun, and accessible daily word puzzle that challenges your vocabulary and quick thinking. Each day brings a new set of clues that test even the sharpest minds. If you’re having trouble with today’s puzzle, this page provides updated hints and correct answers for January 12, 2026, to help you solve it easily and enjoy a stress-free experience.
What is the NYT Mini Crossword Game?
This game, featured in The New York Times (NYT), is a smaller version (typically a 5×5 grid) than the full-fledged version. Because of its small size, most players can solve it in just a minute or two. A new puzzle is released daily, offering a regular mental exercise. This Crossword game is designed to be easier than standard versions, which makes it a good entry point for newbies.
Today’s Answers for Mini Crossword January 12, 2026
Mini Across Clues and Answers
“Across” crossword clues are typically numbered left to right. Almost finished? Fill in what you missed with the ACROSS clues and answers for today’s puzzle.
Unit of farmland
Answer: Acre
Counterpart of “Musical or Comedy” at the Golden Globes
Answer: Drama
Kind of “touch” that A.I. lacks
Answer: Human
Alternative to credit
Answer: Debit
“OMG, that’s hilarious.”
Answer: LOL
Mini down Clues and Answers
“Down” crossword clues, on the other hand, typically appear in numerical order from top to bottom. Use the DOWN clues and answers for today’s puzzle below to complete your grid, one vertical clue at a time.
A condition that affects concentration, for short
Answer: ADHD
Willfully causing pain
Answer: Cruel
Five-time role for Sylvester Stallone
Answer: Rambo
One might have a scheduled send time
Answer: Email
Aardvark’s prey
Answer: Ant
How to Play the NYT’s Mini Crossword Game?
It offers a bite-sized version of the classic crossword, designed to provide a quick and fun challenge. Here’s how to play it:
The Basics
- The puzzle is a grid of 5 squares by 5 squares.
- Each square can hold a letter.
- You fill in words both across (horizontally) and down (vertically).
- Clues are provided for each word, numbered consecutively down the left side and across the top.
Playing the Game
- Read the clues: Each clue will hint at the answer for the corresponding numbered space in the grid. The clues can be definitions, synonyms, or even puns!
- Fill in the letters: Based on the clues, start filling in the letters you know for sure. Once you have a few letters in, you can use them to guess other words that intersect them.
- Keep it logical: As you fill in the grid, make sure the letters fit together to form valid words both horizontally and vertically.
- Use your knowledge: Sometimes, the clues might require some general knowledge or wordplay skills to solve.
Tips and Tricks
- Start with the easy ones: Look for clues that seem straightforward or where you can guess a few letters easily. Filling in these will give you a good starting point.
- Work both ways: Don’t just focus on the down clues or the across clues. Switch back and forth to see if intersecting letters can help you solve either clue.
- Don’t be afraid to guess: If you’re stuck, make an educated guess using the clue and the letters you already have. You can always come back and change it later if it doesn’t fit.
- Use online resources: If you’re really stuck, use websites and apps that offer solutions, but challenge yourself to solve it on your own first!
Where to Play
- You can find it in the New York Times Crossword app or on the New York Times website (https://www.nytimes.com/crosswords).
- Other crossword puzzle apps offer similar mini-crossword experiences.
Conclusion
The New York Times created the Mini Crossword to keep its audience engaged with quick, brain-teasing puzzles. Each day brings a fresh set of clues designed to test your sharpness and problem-solving skills. You can find today’s updated Mini Crossword answers right here on gamuters, a trusted source that publishes accurate solutions shortly after midnight.
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