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Tuesday, September 8, 2026

NYT Mini Puzzle Trivia Week 2 September 08, 2026 - Solved

Today's Trivia Week 2 NYT Mini Crossword September 08, 2026 Answers

Today's Mini has 20 clues to get through. Hints and answers for all of them are below.

Popular Puzzles: Wednesdays NYT Mini Oct 22 All 10 | January 28 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | January 02 2021 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for September 08, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Tuesday, September 08, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date September 08, 2026
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

Today's Trivia Week 2 NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

It's a 5 by 5 grid today — five boxes across, five boxes down.

5x5 Crossword Grid Pattern
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5
Row 1          
Row 2          
Row 3          
Row 4          
Row 5          

How to Solve This One Fast

  1. Skim every clue once before you write anything — your brain keeps chewing on the ones you don't solve right away.
  2. Knock out the short answers (3 letters or under) first.
  3. Lean on the crossing letters once a couple of words are in.
  4. A question mark in a clue usually means there's a pun coming.
  5. THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT — these little words show up constantly, keep them in your back pocket.

Quick Facts

  • Squares in the grid: 25
  • How long it takes: usually under a minute once you're warmed up
  • Best moment for it: any short break
  • Overall difficulty: easy-going by design

Across Clues - 10 Total

These run left to right across the grid.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 62. ___ dish (lab item)
2 Across 51. Sound from a pound
3 Across 20. Smooths (over)
4 Across 67. Colleges, to Aussies
5 Across 5. Long (for)
6 Across 14. Trims, say
7 Across 26. "This American Life" host Glass
8 Across 43. Chopped down
9 Across 56. Pompadour or pigtails
10 Across 37. CVS rival ... or a phonetic hint to the answers on this puzzle's perimeter

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

Stuck on one? Hints and answers for each clue are below. A few other guides worth a look:

1 Across: "62. ___ dish (lab item)"

Hints:

  • Kicks off with 'P' and wraps up with 'I'.
  • It's a 5-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal PETRI

2 Across: "51. Sound from a pound"

Hints:

  • Kicks off with 'A' and wraps up with 'F'.
  • Count on 3 letters here.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.

Answer:

Click to reveal ARF

3 Across: "20. Smooths (over)"

Hints:

  • Close enough in meaning: polish.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: G_____S
  • It's a 7-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal GLOSSES

4 Across: "67. Colleges, to Aussies"

Hints:

  • First letter's a 'U', last letter's a 'S'.
  • Count on 4 letters here.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.

Answer:

Click to reveal UNIS

5 Across: "5. Long (for)"

Hints:

  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • 'yen' points in the same direction.
  • You're looking for 4 letters.

Answer:

Click to reveal PINE

6 Across: "14. Trims, say"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'E', ends with 'S'.
  • Close enough in meaning: delete.
  • This one runs 5 letters long.

Answer:

Click to reveal EDITS

7 Across: "26. "This American Life" host Glass"

Hints:

  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • First letter's a 'I', last letter's a 'A'.
  • Close enough in meaning: Provos.

Answer:

Click to reveal IRA

8 Across: "43. Chopped down"

Hints:

  • Pattern-wise it looks like: H__N
  • Basically, make or shape as with an axe.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.

Answer:

Click to reveal HEWN

9 Across: "56. Pompadour or pigtails"

Hints:

  • Kicks off with 'H' and wraps up with 'O'.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: H____O
  • 'coif' points in the same direction.

Answer:

Click to reveal HAIRDO

10 Across: "37. CVS rival ... or a phonetic hint to the answers on this puzzle's perimeter"

Hints:

  • It's a 9-letter word.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: W_______S
  • Starts with 'W', ends with 'S'.

Answer:

Click to reveal WALGREENS

Down Clues - 10 Total

These run top to bottom in the grid.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 7. Diarist Anaïs
2 Down 25. "This one's on me!"
3 Down 48. Some speech impediments
4 Down 29. Cry of frustration
5 Down 8. ___ Sketch (classic drawing toy)
6 Down 33. Did the backstroke, say
7 Down 2. Totally ban
8 Down 40. Froth seen at the beach
9 Down 63. The first "T" in TNT
10 Down 11. Army leader

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

Same deal here — hints then answers. You might also like:

1 Down: "7. Diarist Anaïs"

Hints:

  • First letter's a 'N', last letter's a 'N'.
  • This one runs 3 letters long.
  • Short form / acronym territory here.

Answer:

Click to reveal NIN

2 Down: "25. "This one's on me!""

Hints:

  • Starts with 'M', ends with 'T'.
  • Count on 7 letters here.
  • Blank it out and you get: M_____T

Answer:

Click to reveal MYTREAT

3 Down: "48. Some speech impediments"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'L', ends with 'S'.
  • If that helps, the shape is: L___S
  • Count on 5 letters here.

Answer:

Click to reveal LISPS

4 Down: "29. Cry of frustration"

Hints:

  • Pattern-wise it looks like: A__H
  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • First letter's a 'A', last letter's a 'H'.

Answer:

Click to reveal ARGH

5 Down: "8. ___ Sketch (classic drawing toy)"

Hints:

  • Blank it out and you get: E___A
  • First letter's a 'E', last letter's a 'A'.
  • Count on 5 letters here.

Answer:

Click to reveal ETCHA

6 Down: "33. Did the backstroke, say"

Hints:

  • Basically, travel through water.
  • You could also think of it as "drown."
  • If that helps, the shape is: S__M

Answer:

Click to reveal SWAM

7 Down: "2. Totally ban"

Hints:

  • If that helps, the shape is: A_____H
  • Count on 7 letters here.
  • Starts with 'A', ends with 'H'.

Answer:

Click to reveal ABOLISH

8 Down: "40. Froth seen at the beach"

Hints:

  • Count on 7 letters here.
  • Blank it out and you get: S_____M
  • First letter's a 'S', last letter's a 'M'.

Answer:

Click to reveal SEAFOAM

9 Down: "63. The first "T" in TNT"

Hints:

  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • Starts with 'T', ends with 'I'.
  • Count on 3 letters here.

Answer:

Click to reveal TRI

10 Down: "11. Army leader"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'G', ends with 'L'.
  • You're looking for 7 letters.
  • Basically, a general officer of the highest rank.

Answer:

Click to reveal GENERAL

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Some habits that speed things up over time:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Read it all first: Go through every clue once before writing anything down — it primes your brain even on the ones you skip.
  2. Grab the short ones: Two and three letter answers (things like "IT" or "ON") are usually the easiest place to start.
  3. Use the crossings: Once a couple of words are in, the crossing letters do a lot of the work for you on the harder ones.
  4. Watch for question marks: A "?" at the end of a clue almost always signals a pun rather than a literal answer.
  5. Keep the regulars in mind: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE — these turn up often enough that it's worth remembering them.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • E is the most common letter in English, so it's worth guessing early.
  • Words ending in S are usually plurals.
  • Blanks ("___") in a clue mean the answer fits exactly into those spaces.
  • An abbreviation in the clue is a signal the answer's abbreviated too.

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You've clearly got the puzzle's patterns down.
30-60 seconds Advanced Solid pace — you're solving quickly.
1-2 minutes Good Right where most regular solvers land.
Over 2 minutes Learning Totally fine — speed comes with reps.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25
Average Time: 58 seconds
Difficulty: Medium

More Puzzle Help

If today's Mini hit the spot, here are a few more you might enjoy:

Common Questions About Trivia Week 2

When does the Trivia Week 2 Mini go live?

It usually goes live around 10 PM Eastern the night before.

How long should Trivia Week 2 take me?

Most people land somewhere between 30 seconds and 2 minutes. Slower than that is completely normal too — it gets faster with practice.

Is Trivia Week 2 free to play?

It's free to play, unlike the main NYT Crossword which sits behind a paywall.

What actually makes someone good at Trivia Week 2?

Knowing the common short words, spotting wordplay quickly, and reading crossing letters well — that combination gets you most of the way there.

Does Trivia Week 2 get harder as the week goes on?

Difficulty shifts through the week; expect Monday to be gentle and Saturday to bite a bit more.

About This Page: We put together hints and answers for the NYT Mini to help you learn the ropes and get faster over time. This site isn't affiliated with The New York Times.

Last Updated: September 08, 2026 at 08:13 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, September 08 2026 mini crossword

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XWordHint Crossword Answers September 08, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

Master today's NYT crossword with our expert hint system. We provide synonyms, antonyms, and strategic clues to help you solve without spoiling the fun. Perfect for crossword lovers who want that satisfying "aha!" moment.

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

September 08, 2026 NYT Crossword Solutions

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Tricky

Pro Tip: Start with the fill-in-the-blank clues - they're usually the easiest entry points!

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Prized gem in Chinese culture 4
2A 5. Long (for) 4
3A 9. Wise one 4
4A 13. Lyft competitor 4
5A 14. Trims, say 5
6A 16. Bullet point on an agenda 4
7A 17. ___ Scotia 4
8A 18. Actress Judi with an Oscar and a Tony 5
9A 19. Hawaiian bird with a reduplicative name 4
10A 20. Smooths (over) 7
11A 22. Pest at a comedy club 7
12A 24. Soda bottle units 6
13A 25. Food court locale 4
14A 26. "This American Life" host Glass 3
15A 27. Suffix in the names of many languages 3
16A 28. "Please don't go!" 4
17A 30. French cosmetics company founded in 1909 6
18A 32. "For ___ a jolly good fellow ..." 3
19A 34. Crafts' partner 4
20A 36. "A Whole New ___" ("Aladdin" song) 5
21A 37. CVS rival ... or a phonetic hint to the answers on this puzzle's perimeter 9
22A 40. "What a shame!" 5
23A 43. Chopped down 4
24A 44. Broody music genre 3
25A 47. Hardest substance in the human body 6
26A 49. Aide: Abbr. 4
27A 51. Sound from a pound 3
28A 53. Energy-carrying chemical found in all living things, in brief 3
29A 54. Santa makes one 4
30A 56. Pompadour or pigtails 6
31A 58. "Magic Mirror on the wall, who is the ___ one of all?" 7
32A 60. Site of a paper jam 7
33A 61. Milkshake flavor 4
34A 62. ___ dish (lab item) 5
35A 64. Father 4
36A 65. "___ I a Woman?" (Sojourner Truth speech) 4
37A 66. Plastic wrap brand 5
38A 67. Colleges, to Aussies 4
39A 68. Stuff growing on a tree trunk 4
40A 69. Acidic ingredient in guacamole 4
41A 70. Money maker 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Prized gem in Chinese culture"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a semiprecious gemstone that takes a high polish; is usually green but sometimes whitish; consists of jadeite or nephrite
  • Similar words include: hussy, wear, fornicatress
  • Opposite of: refresh
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Long (for)"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a coniferous tree
  • Similar words include: yen, languish, yearn
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Wise one"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mentor in spiritual and philosophical topics who is renowned for profound wisdom
  • Similar words include: sage-green, salvia
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. Lyft competitor"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UBER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Trims, say"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that prepare for publication or presentation by correcting, revising, or adapting
  • Similar words include: redact, edit, blue-pencil
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDITS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Bullet point on an agenda"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list
  • Similar words include: token, detail, particular
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ITEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. ___ Scotia"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a star that ejects some of its material in the form of a cloud and become more luminous in the process
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOVA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Actress Judi with an Oscar and a Tony"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DENCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "19. Hawaiian bird with a reduplicative name"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NENE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "20. Smooths (over)"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an explanation or definition of an obscure word in a text
  • Similar words include: colour, polish, semblance
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GLOSSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Pest at a comedy club"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who tries to embarrass you with gibes and questions and objections
  • Similar words include: badgerer
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HECKLER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Soda bottle units"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a metric unit of capacity, formerly defined as the volume of one kilogram of pure water under standard conditions; now equal to 1,000 cubic centimeters (or approximately 1.75 pints)
  • Similar words include: cubic decimetre, cubic decimeter, litre
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LITERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Food court locale"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a public area set aside as a pedestrian walk
  • Similar words include: promenade, shopping centre, center
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MALL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "26. "This American Life" host Glass"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a militant organization of irish nationalists who used terrorism and guerilla warfare in an effort to drive british forces from northern ireland and achieve a united independent ireland
  • Similar words include: individual retirement account, Provos, anger
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "27. Suffix in the names of many languages"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the compass point midway between east and southeast
  • Similar words include: east southeast
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "28. "Please don't go!""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that continuing or remaining in a place or state
  • Similar words include: appease, quell, persist
  • Opposite of: depart, change
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "30. French cosmetics company founded in 1909"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOREAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "32. "For ___ a jolly good fellow ...""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a very light colorless element that is one of the six inert gasses; the most difficult gas to liquefy; occurs in economically extractable amounts in certain natural gases (as those found in texas and kansas)
  • Similar words include: helium, atomic number 2, He
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "34. Crafts' partner"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than occupational or professional skills)
  • Similar words include: artistic creation, humanistic discipline, nontextual matter
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "36. "A Whole New ___" ("Aladdin" song)"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that everything that exists anywhere
  • Similar words include: existence, humanity, reality
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WORLD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "37. CVS rival ... or a phonetic hint to the answers on this puzzle's perimeter"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WALGREENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "40. "What a shame!""

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOSAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "43. Chopped down"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make or shape as with an axe
  • Similar words include: hew out, hew, hand-hewn
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEWN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "44. Broody music genre"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Hardest substance in the human body"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hard white substance covering the crown of a tooth
  • Similar words include: tooth enamel
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENAMEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. Aide: Abbr."

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "51. Sound from a pound"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "53. Energy-carrying chemical found in all living things, in brief"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a nucleotide derived from adenosine that occurs in muscle tissue; the major source of energy for cellular reactions
  • Similar words include: adenosine triphosphate
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "54. Santa makes one"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a database containing an ordered array of items (names or topics)
  • Similar words include: heel, listing, lean
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "56. Pompadour or pigtails"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the arrangement of the hair (especially a woman's hair)
  • Similar words include: coiffure, hair style, coif
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAIRDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "58. "Magic Mirror on the wall, who is the ___ one of all?""

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules
  • Similar words include: mediocre, bonny, sightly
  • Opposite of: foul, unfair
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FAIREST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "60. Site of a paper jam"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone whose occupation is printing
  • Similar words include: printing machine, pressman
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRINTER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "61. Milkshake flavor"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that chocolate cookie with white cream filling
  • Similar words include: oreo cookie
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OREO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "62. ___ dish (lab item)"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PETRI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "64. Father"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a title of address formerly used for a man of rank and authority
  • Similar words include: generate, engender, bring forth
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "65. "___ I a Woman?" (Sojourner Truth speech)"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AINT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "66. Plastic wrap brand"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various thermoplastic resins used to make things
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SARAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "67. Colleges, to Aussies"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "68. Stuff growing on a tree trunk"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tiny leafy-stemmed flowerless plants
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOSS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "69. Acidic ingredient in guacamole"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a caustic substance produced by heating limestone
  • Similar words include: linden, lime hydrate, calcium oxide
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41A: "70. Money maker"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent
  • Similar words include: hatful, strike, great deal
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MINT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Jaguar's home 6
2D 2. Totally ban 7
3D 3. Faithful follower 7
4D 4. Clear, as a board 5
5D 5. Base of a statue 8
6D 6. March 15, e.g. 4
7D 7. Diarist Anaïs 3
8D 8. ___ Sketch (classic drawing toy) 5
9D 9. Kitchen fixture that might have a double or single basin 4
10D 10. Artist's workshop 7
11D 11. Army leader 7
12D 12. May birthstone 7
13D 15. Shape of conchiglie pasta 5
14D 21. Cohort above jrs. 3
15D 23. Ronald McDonald, e.g. 5
16D 25. "This one's on me!" 7
17D 29. Cry of frustration 4
18D 31. "Titanic" heroine 4
19D 33. Did the backstroke, say 4
20D 35. Works with a needle 4
21D 38. One-named "Hello" singer 5
22D 39. Induct into a hall of fame, perhaps 8
23D 40. Froth seen at the beach 7
24D 41. Most populous Canadian province 7
25D 42. 2014 nonfiction best seller subtitled "A Brief History of Humankind" 7
26D 45. "Shaken, not stirred" drink 7
27D 46. Use DoorDash or Grubhub, e.g. 7
28D 48. Some speech impediments 5
29D 50. ___ chi (Chinese martial art) 3
30D 52. Not see the ___ for the trees 6
31D 55. Amazing bargain 5
32D 57. "To recap ..." 5
33D 59. Decays 4
34D 60. British baby carriage 4
35D 63. The first "T" in TNT 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Jaguar's home"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a location marked by an intense competition and struggle for survival
  • Similar words include: hobo camp
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JUNGLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Totally ban"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that do away with
  • Similar words include: get rid of
  • Opposite of: establish
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABOLISH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Faithful follower"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an ardent follower and admirer
  • Similar words include: buff, fan, lover
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEVOTEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Clear, as a board"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove from memory or existence
  • Similar words include: score out, wipe out, rub out
  • Opposite of: record
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Base of a statue"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a support or foundation
  • Similar words include: plinth, stand, base
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEDESTAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. March 15, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in the roman calendar: the 15th of march or may or july or october or the 13th of any other month
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Diarist Anaïs"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. ___ Sketch (classic drawing toy)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETCHA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Kitchen fixture that might have a double or single basin"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that plumbing fixture consisting of a water basin fixed to a wall or floor and having a drainpipe
  • Similar words include: bury, swallow hole, sump
  • Opposite of: source, float
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SINK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Artist's workshop"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a studio especially for an artist or designer
  • Similar words include: artist's workroom
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATELIER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Army leader"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a general officer of the highest rank
  • Similar words include: superior general, ecumenical, cosmopolitan
  • Opposite of: particular, specific
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GENERAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. May birthstone"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a green transparent form of beryl; highly valued as a gemstone
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMERALD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "15. Shape of conchiglie pasta"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that ammunition consisting of a cylindrical metal casing containing an explosive charge and a projectile; fired from a large gun
  • Similar words include: casing, scale, vanquish
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "21. Cohort above jrs."

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a soft silver-white or yellowish metallic element of the alkali metal group; turns yellow in air; occurs in celestite and strontianite
  • Similar words include: Sr, steradian, atomic number 38
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SRS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "23. Ronald McDonald, e.g."

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rude or vulgar fool
  • Similar words include: merry andrew, goof, clown around
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLOWN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. "This one's on me!""

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MYTREAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "29. Cry of frustration"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARGH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "31. "Titanic" heroine"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of many shrubs of the genus rosa that bear roses
  • Similar words include: stand up, develop, prove
  • Opposite of: turn in, set
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "33. Did the backstroke, say"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that travel through water
  • Similar words include: drown, swim, float
  • Opposite of: sink
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "35. Works with a needle"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fasten by sewing; do needlework
  • Similar words include: sew, run up, stitch
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEWS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "38. One-named "Hello" singer"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADELE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "39. Induct into a hall of fame, perhaps"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that enclose in a shrine
  • Similar words include: shrine, saint
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENSHRINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "40. Froth seen at the beach"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEAFOAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "41. Most populous Canadian province"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest of the great lakes
  • Similar words include: Lake Ontario
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONTARIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "42. 2014 nonfiction best seller subtitled "A Brief History of Humankind""

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or relating to or characteristic of homo sapiens
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAPIENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "45. "Shaken, not stirred" drink"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cocktail made of gin (or vodka) with dry vermouth
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MARTINI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "46. Use DoorDash or Grubhub, e.g."

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORDERIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "48. Some speech impediments"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a speech defect that involves pronouncing `s' like voiceless `th' and `z' like voiced `th'
  • Similar words include: list-processing language, lisp, LISP
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LISPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "50. ___ chi (Chinese martial art)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or inhabitant of thailand
  • Similar words include: Thai, Siamese
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "52. Not see the ___ for the trees"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
  • Similar words include: wood, timberland, timber
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FOREST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "55. Amazing bargain"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an advantageous purchase
  • Similar words include: slip, buy, bargain
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "57. "To recap ...""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INSUM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "59. Decays"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state of decay usually accompanied by an offensive odor
  • Similar words include: guff, molder, hogwash
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "60. British baby carriage"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small vehicle with four wheels in which a baby or child is pushed around
  • Similar words include: stroller, baby buggy, go-cart
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "63. The first "T" in TNT"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

Begin with fill-in-the-blank clues and short 3-4 letter words. These are your foundation.

Decode the Clues

Question marks indicate wordplay or puns. "Maybe" suggests multiple interpretations.

Use Cross-References

Let intersecting letters guide you. One correct answer unlocks several others.

Build Vocabulary

Common crossword words repeat. Learning them speeds up future solving.

Today's Puzzle Stats

41 Across Clues
35 Down Clues
76 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

Looking for more puzzle solutions? Check out our comprehensive archive of NYT crossword hints and answers. We update daily with expert analysis and solving strategies.

Disclaimer: Crossword clues and grid © The New York Times. This site provides hints and educational content for puzzle enthusiasts. XWordHint is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last updated: September 08, 2026 at 08:13 AM

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Friday, August 28, 2026

Trivia Week 4 Manual for NYT Mini August 28, 2026

Trivia Week 4 NYT Mini August 28, 2026 Solutions & Guide

Today's Mini has 20 clues to get through. Hints and answers for all of them are below.

Popular Puzzles: September 02 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | Xwordhint Crossword Answers November 19 | Todays NYT Mini Crossword October 29 |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for August 28, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Friday, August 28, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date August 28, 2026
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

Today's Trivia Week 4 NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

It's a 5 by 5 grid today — five boxes across, five boxes down.

5x5 Crossword Grid Pattern
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5
Row 1          
Row 2          
Row 3          
Row 4          
Row 5          

How to Solve This One Fast

  1. Skim every clue once before you write anything — your brain keeps chewing on the ones you don't solve right away.
  2. Knock out the short answers (3 letters or under) first.
  3. Lean on the crossing letters once a couple of words are in.
  4. A question mark in a clue usually means there's a pun coming.
  5. THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT — these little words show up constantly, keep them in your back pocket.

Quick Facts

  • Total squares: 25 (5 × 5)
  • Typical solve time: well under a minute for most regulars
  • Good time to play: on a coffee break
  • Difficulty: built to be approachable

Across Clues - 10 Total

These run left to right across the grid.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 26. "Ignorance is bliss," e.g.
2 Across 36. Asteroids system
3 Across 22. "Would ya look at that ..."
4 Across 58. Kim Cattrall's role on "Sex and the City"
5 Across 39. ___ collar
6 Across 35. ___ polo (sport played in Pakistan)
7 Across 38. Flame proof?
8 Across 25. Milieu for bathyspheres, with "the"
9 Across 16. Politician's response, maybe
10 Across 13. Worrier's words

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

Stuck on one? Hints and answers for each clue are below. A few other guides worth a look:

1 Across: "26. "Ignorance is bliss," e.g."

Hints:

  • You're looking for 6 letters.
  • Kicks off with 'O' and wraps up with 'W'.

Answer:

Click to reveal OLDSAW

2 Across: "36. Asteroids system"

Hints:

  • It's a 5-letter word.
  • Kicks off with 'A' and wraps up with 'I'.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: A___I

Answer:

Click to reveal ATARI

3 Across: "22. "Would ya look at that ...""

Hints:

  • Kicks off with 'W' and wraps up with 'L'.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: W__________L
  • You're looking for 12 letters.

Answer:

Click to reveal WELLWELLWELL

4 Across: "58. Kim Cattrall's role on "Sex and the City""

Hints:

  • It's a 8-letter word.
  • First letter's a 'S', last letter's a 'A'.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: S______A

Answer:

Click to reveal SAMANTHA

5 Across: "39. ___ collar"

Hints:

  • Kicks off with 'E' and wraps up with 'N'.
  • If that helps, the shape is: E__N
  • This one runs 4 letters long.

Answer:

Click to reveal ETON

6 Across: "35. ___ polo (sport played in Pakistan)"

Hints:

  • Basically, noisy talk.
  • Close enough in meaning: yack.
  • This one runs 3 letters long.

Answer:

Click to reveal YAK

7 Across: "38. Flame proof?"

Hints:

  • Think of it this way — the residue that remains when something is burned.
  • Starts with 'A', ends with 'H'.
  • It's a 3-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal ASH

8 Across: "25. Milieu for bathyspheres, with "the""

Hints:

  • In plain terms: the central and most intense or profound part.
  • You could also think of it as "trench."
  • First letter's a 'D', last letter's a 'S'.

Answer:

Click to reveal DEEPS

9 Across: "16. Politician's response, maybe"

Hints:

  • Kicks off with 'N' and wraps up with 'R'.
  • You're looking for 9 letters.

Answer:

Click to reveal NONANSWER

10 Across: "13. Worrier's words"

Hints:

  • First letter's a 'I', last letter's a 'T'.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: I______T
  • It's a 8-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal IHOPENOT

Down Clues - 10 Total

These run top to bottom in the grid.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 10. Screen capture?
2 Down 35. "The thing is ..."
3 Down 3. Brazilian soccer star known for his dribbling flair
4 Down 27. Blend
5 Down 43. Jazz aficionado, e.g.
6 Down 31. Outlaw
7 Down 51. Star turns at a concert
8 Down 44. Spirit seen on el Día de los Muertos
9 Down 4. Org. that might do some spring cleaning?
10 Down 17. Overhaul

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

Same deal here — hints then answers. You might also like:

1 Down: "10. Screen capture?"

Hints:

  • Count on 4 letters here.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • In plain terms: fine ravellings of cotton or linen fibers.

Answer:

Click to reveal LINT

2 Down: "35. "The thing is ...""

Hints:

  • Kicks off with 'Y' and wraps up with 'E'.
  • It's a 6-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal YOUSEE

3 Down: "3. Brazilian soccer star known for his dribbling flair"

Hints:

  • First letter's a 'R', last letter's a 'O'.
  • It's a 10-letter word.
  • If that helps, the shape is: R________O

Answer:

Click to reveal RONALDINHO

4 Down: "27. Blend"

Hints:

  • If that helps, the shape is: A________E
  • You could also think of it as "commix."
  • Kicks off with 'A' and wraps up with 'E'.

Answer:

Click to reveal AMALGAMATE

5 Down: "43. Jazz aficionado, e.g."

Hints:

  • Starts with 'N', ends with 'N'.
  • Count on 6 letters here.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: N____N

Answer:

Click to reveal NBAFAN

6 Down: "31. Outlaw"

Hints:

  • Close enough in meaning: shun.
  • Count on 3 letters here.
  • Kicks off with 'B' and wraps up with 'N'.

Answer:

Click to reveal BAN

7 Down: "51. Star turns at a concert"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'S', ends with 'I'.
  • You could also think of it as "solo."
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.

Answer:

Click to reveal SOLI

8 Down: "44. Spirit seen on el Día de los Muertos"

Hints:

  • This one runs 6 letters long.
  • Kicks off with 'M' and wraps up with 'L'.
  • You could also think of it as "mescal."

Answer:

Click to reveal MEZCAL

9 Down: "4. Org. that might do some spring cleaning?"

Hints:

  • First letter's a 'E', last letter's a 'A'.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • This one runs 3 letters long.

Answer:

Click to reveal EPA

10 Down: "17. Overhaul"

Hints:

  • It's a 6-letter word.
  • Starts with 'R', ends with 'K'.
  • Think of it this way — use again in altered form.

Answer:

Click to reveal REWORK

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Some habits that speed things up over time:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Read it all first: Go through every clue once before writing anything down — it primes your brain even on the ones you skip.
  2. Grab the short ones: Two and three letter answers (things like "IT" or "ON") are usually the easiest place to start.
  3. Use the crossings: Once a couple of words are in, the crossing letters do a lot of the work for you on the harder ones.
  4. Watch for question marks: A "?" at the end of a clue almost always signals a pun rather than a literal answer.
  5. Keep the regulars in mind: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE — these turn up often enough that it's worth remembering them.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • E is the most common letter in English, so it's worth guessing early.
  • Words ending in S are usually plurals.
  • Blanks ("___") in a clue mean the answer fits exactly into those spaces.
  • An abbreviation in the clue is a signal the answer's abbreviated too.

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You've clearly got the puzzle's patterns down.
30-60 seconds Advanced Solid pace — you're solving quickly.
1-2 minutes Good Right where most regular solvers land.
Over 2 minutes Learning Totally fine — speed comes with reps.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25
Average Time: 52 seconds
Difficulty: Normal

More Puzzle Help

If today's Mini hit the spot, here are a few more you might enjoy:

Common Questions About Trivia Week 4

When does the Trivia Week 4 Mini go live?

Typically drops the evening before, around 10 PM ET.

How long should Trivia Week 4 take me?

Anywhere from 30 seconds to a couple of minutes is typical. Don't stress if you're on the slower end at first.

Is Trivia Week 4 free to play?

Nope, it's free — no subscription needed like the full-size crossword.

What actually makes someone good at Trivia Week 4?

Knowing the common short words, spotting wordplay quickly, and reading crossing letters well — that combination gets you most of the way there.

Does Trivia Week 4 get harder as the week goes on?

It varies day to day — Saturdays tend to be the toughest, Mondays the easiest.

About This Page: We put together hints and answers for the NYT Mini to help you learn the ropes and get faster over time. This site isn't affiliated with The New York Times.

Last Updated: August 28, 2026 at 03:31 PM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, August 28 2026 mini crossword

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