Update: We last updated this article with today's NYT Mini Crossword Answers on May 16, 2026.

The NYT Mini Crossword 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 May 16, 2026.

NYT Mini Crossword Answers Today for May 16, 2026

Across Answers of today's NYT Mini Crossword: ➡️
  • 1 Across: De Armas of Knives Out – ANA
  • 4 Across: Jack ___, five-time S.N.L. host – WHITE
  • 6 Across: Class pets that thump their feet to warn of approaching kindergarteners – GERBILS
  • 8 Across: Boxer Muhammad or Laila – ALI
  • 9 Across: Reach 0% battery – DIE
  • 10 Across: Big name in hair loss prevention – ROGAINE
  • 12 Across: Jack ___, six-time S.N.L. musical guest – WHITE
  • 13 Across: Attempt – TRY

Down Answers of today's NYT Mini Crossword: ⬇️
  • 1 Down: "Okay then ..." – ALRIGHT
  • 2 Down: Catch, as a criminal – NAB
  • 3 Down: Notable feature of lemon and grapefruit juice – ACIDITY
  • 4 Down: Underneath – BELOW
  • 5 Down: Actor Kevin of Dave – KLINE
  • 6 Down: Long-nosed fish – GAR
  • 7 Down: Understand – SEE
  • 11 Down: Make public, as a grievance – AIR

Click here to reveal the image of the NYT Mini Crossword Answer
NYT Mini Crossword Answers Today, May 16

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

This Mini Crossword has a pop-culture-heavy and cleverly playful feel, blending celebrity references, entertainment trivia, everyday language, product familiarity, and light humor into a lively solving experience. The repeated thematic nods create a fun sense of cohesion, while the clue phrasing adds personality—especially where ordinary definitions are dressed up with humorous twists. There’s a nice balance between instant-recognition clues and entries that rely on crossing support, making the grid engaging without becoming overly demanding. It feels a bit richer than the average mini thanks to its mix of contemporary references and witty presentation. I’d rate the difficulty a lively 4 out of 5.

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!

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