Mini Crossword

Solve the 5×5 crossword

Time
0:00
Best
--
Puzzle
1/5

Across

Down

About Mini Crossword

The crossword puzzle was invented by Arthur Wynne and first published in the New York World on December 21, 1913. The NYT Mini Crossword, launched in 2014, democratized the format with a 5×5 grid most players complete in under two minutes. Our version features 5 rotating puzzles with real crossing letters.

How to Play Mini Crossword

  • Click any white cell to select it and activate the clue
  • Type letters from your keyboard — they fill the cell and advance the cursor
  • Click same cell twice to switch Across/Down direction
  • Backspace erases or moves back; arrow keys navigate
  • Click Check to mark correct (green) or wrong (red) cells

Solving Strategy

  • Fill confident answers first — each confirmed letter is a free crossing hint
  • Use crossing letters — a 5×5 grid has heavy intersections
  • Read clues carefully — mini clues often use wordplay
  • Short answers first — 3-letter answers have fewer possibilities

Common Crossword Words

  • ERA, AGE, EON — time period words appear frequently
  • OREO, ALOE, ARIA — alternating vowels, constructors love these
  • FOAL, FAWN, LAMB — animal young, common 4-letter answers
  • NILE, OSLO, BERN — geography names appear constantly

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