The Washington Post Daily Mini Meta Crossword is a fun daily word challenge that tests both your clue-solving skills and your ability to spot patterns. It’s like a crossword with a twist; there’s a hidden “meta” answer that ties everything together once you solve all the puzzles for the week. Whether you’re a seasoned solver or just getting started, this compact puzzle is the perfect mix of clever clues and satisfying clues.
If you’re stuck on today’s puzzle (or just want to double-check your work), here are the full hints and solutions for the Washington Post Daily Mini Meta Crossword for January 7, 2026.
Once you’ve got all your guesses, scroll down for the solutions.
Today’s Washington Post Daily Mini Meta Crossword Answers for January 7, 2026
Across Answers: ⏩
- 1 Across: “On-on” or “off-on” linkup – AND
- 4 Across: Football team’s repertoire – PLAYS
- 6 Across: Something that picks up speed? – RADAR
- 7 Across: Future indicators, supposedly – OMENS
- 8 Across: It’s “pour” in Paris – FOR
Down Answers: ⏬
- 1 Down: Something to “remember” in a battle cry – ALAMO
- 2 Down: LaDuke was his running mate twice – NADER
- 3 Down: Cannon on the Hollywood Walk of Fame – DYAN
- 4 Down: Part of a Penn set? – PROF
- 5 Down: Class of ’26 in 2026, e.g.: Abbr. – SRS
Click to reveal the solved image
What Did You Think of Today’s Washington Post Daily Mini Meta Crossword?
This mini meta puzzle had a clever, lightly playful feel, built around connections, signals, and hints of prediction. The Across clues ranged from simple logical linkups and sports terminology to imaginative reinterpretations of technology and foresight, giving the grid a forward-looking tone. The Down clues added texture through history, politics, pop culture, and academic life, all clued succinctly and fairly. The puzzle rewarded solvers who enjoyed making quick associations and spotting subtle twists without overthinking the clues. Overall, it was a compact but engaging mini that balanced wit and clarity nicely. I’d rate the difficulty a comfortable 3 out of 5.
More Clues:
- NYT Mini Crossword Hints and Answers
- Washington Post/LA Times Crossword Hints and Answers
- USA Today Crossword Hints and Answers
- LA Times Mini Crossword Hints and Answers
- Boston Globe Mini Crossword Hints and Answers
How to Play the Washington Post Daily Mini Meta Crossword
- The Goal: Fill in the grid using the Across and Down clues — then find the hidden meta answer revealed by the completed puzzle.
- The Meta Element: After solving the puzzles for the week, look for a word, phrase, or concept hinted at by the completed answers. It could be a hidden pattern, shared theme, or set of initials that spell something out.
- Accessibility: Like the NYT Mini, it’s short, sharp, and ideal for a daily brain stretch.
- Daily Refresh: A brand-new Mini Meta appears every day on The Washington Post site and app, so there’s always a new challenge waiting.
