Update: We last updated this article with today's NYT Mini Crossword Answers on August 31, 2026.

The Mini Crossword NYT is the perfect daily challenge to sharpen your wit and expand your vocabulary, all in a compact package! Just like its larger counterpart, the Mini Crossword delivers clever clues and satisfying solutions, but in a bite-sized format that's perfect for a coffee break or a quick unwind. We know how addictive it can be, so to help you out (or just confirm your brilliant solves!), here are NYT Mini Crossword answers today for August 31, 2026.

NYT Mini Crossword Answers Today for August 31, 2026

Across answers for Mini Crossword NYT

1 Across: Spider ___

1 W
1
2 E
2
3 B
3
Answer

4 Across: Quaint term for a boyfriend, from the French

1 B
1
2 E
2
3 A
3
4 U
4
Answer

5 Across: Crocodile ___

1 T
1
2 E
2
3 A
3
4 R
4
5 S
5
Answer

6 Across: ___ bird

1 E
1
2 A
2
3 R
3
4 L
4
5 Y
5
Answer

7 Across: ___ wolf

1 C
1
2 R
2
3 Y
3
Answer

Down answers for Mini Crossword NYT

1 Down: Feeling tired and worn out

1 W
1
2 E
2
3 A
3
4 R
4
5 Y
5
Answer

2 Down: British noble title

1 E
1
2 A
2
3 R
3
4 L
4
Answer

3 Down: ___ bee

1 B
1
2 U
2
3 S
3
4 Y
4
Answer

4 Down: Panda ___

1 B
1
2 E
2
3 A
3
4 R
4
Answer

5 Down: Detective, in old shorthand

1 T
1
2 E
2
3 C
3
Answer

What do you think of NYT Mini Crossword today? Were you able to guess all the answers?

Today's NYT Mini Crossword is a compact mix of familiar phrases, animal references, and a few charmingly old-fashioned terms. Many of the clues build on common expressions involving creatures, while others test vocabulary through a traditional romantic term and an older abbreviation for a detective. The grid feels quite approachable, with several recognizable phrases providing quick entry points and helpful crossing letters. Overall, it’s a light and breezy Mini that favors familiarity over tricky wordplay. I’d rate the difficulty 2.5 out of 5.

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You can also check out Yesterday's NYT Mini Crossword Answers

You can also checkout today's answers for other NYT puzzles :

How to Play the NYT Mini Crossword

Playing the NYT Mini Crossword is super simple!

  • The Goal: Fill in the grid with words that fit the clues, both Across and Down.
  • The Clues: You'll have two sets of clues: "Across" clues correspond to horizontal words in the grid, and "Down" clues correspond to vertical words.
  • Word Length: While not always explicitly stated in the clues themselves, the grid implicitly tells you how many letters each answer has, helping you fit it in.
  • Intersections: The beauty of a crossword is that words intersect! A letter you fill in for an "Across" word will also be part of a "Down" word, and vice versa. This helps you figure out tougher words as more letters become known.
  • Daily Refresh: Just like its big brother, the full NYT Crossword, the Mini Crossword refreshes every 24 hours with a brand new puzzle. So, if you don't get it today, there's always a fresh challenge tomorrow!

FAQ

What time does the NYT Mini Crossword reset?

The NYT Mini Crossword resets daily at midnight local time.

Can you play old NYT Mini Crossword puzzles?

Yes, past puzzles are available through the NYT Games archive for subscribers.

Is the NYT Mini Crossword free?

No, you need to have a subscription for it.

How many clues are in the NYT Mini Crossword?

Most puzzles contain between 5 and 10 clues across and down.

Why is the NYT Mini Crossword so popular?

It takes only a few minutes to solve and is a great quick mental challenge.

Where can I play the NYT Mini Crossword?

You can play it on the New York Times Games website and mobile app.

That's it with the NYT mini crossword answers today. Make sure to come back tomorrow for next one.