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September 13, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 74 (35 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.0 letters

September 13, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions

September 13, 2023 Wednesday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Stuff in a party bag 4
2A 5. Shade of black 3
3A 8. More than once 5
4A 13. Use a cleaning cloth on 4
5A 14. Common mixer 4
6A 15. Sense of purpose 5
7A 16. Fails to be 4
8A 17. Nuisance 4
9A 18. Gave (out) 5
10A 19. Paradoxical answer to "What is 'Golf' in the NATO alphabet?" 12
11A 22. Give (out) 6
12A 23. Emcees' deliveries 6
13A 27. Paradoxical answer to "Can you say what 'nyet' is Russian for?" 12
14A 30. Shadow, e.g. 5
15A 33. Overhead light? 4
16A 34. Architect who lived to be 102 3
17A 35. Boast 4
18A 36. Seems lit from within 5
19A 38. Flexed 4
20A 39. Fell 3
21A 40. Suffix with cyclo- 4
22A 41. Meanders 5
23A 42. Paradoxical answer to "Where does oil come from?" 12
24A 46. Comedian Aziz 6
25A 47. What cheating might get you, informally 6
26A 50. Paradoxical answer to "What isle is located between Ireland and Great Britain?" 12
27A 54. View from a periscope 5
28A 57. Word before run and stretch 4
29A 58. Little wonder? 4
30A 59. "La Campanella" composer 5
31A 60. Surf sound 4
32A 61. London transport, with "the" 4
33A 62. Some plus-ones 5
34A 63. Boom times 3
35A 64. Hurried 4

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

Here are helpful hints to solve each clue. Remember, crossword puzzles are like word games - have fun with them!

Clue 1 Across: "1. Stuff in a party bag"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that valuable goods
  • Words that mean the same thing: prize, loot, droop
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SWAG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Shade of black"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an airplane powered by one or more jet engines
  • Words that mean the same thing: spirt, green, special K
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: JET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "8. More than once"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • Words that mean the same thing: once again, over again, once more
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AGAIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "13. Use a cleaning cloth on"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the act of rubbing or wiping
  • Words that mean the same thing: rub, pass over
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WIPE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "14. Common mixer"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a sodium salt of carbonic acid; used in making soap powders and glass and paper
  • Words that mean the same thing: pop, soda ash, soda water
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SODA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "15. Sense of purpose"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the act of applying force to propel something
  • Words that mean the same thing: effort, ride, driving
  • The opposite would be: attract
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DRIVE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "16. Fails to be"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ISNT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "17. Nuisance"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a symptom of some physical hurt or disorder
  • Words that mean the same thing: anguish, infliction, nuisance
  • The opposite would be: pleasure
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PAIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "18. Gave (out)"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DOLED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "19. Paradoxical answer to "What is 'Golf' in the NATO alphabet?""

Quick Info: This answer has 12 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ____________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GEEIDONTKNOW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Give (out)"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the food allowance for one day (especially for service personnel)
  • Words that mean the same thing: ration out
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RATION

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. Emcees' deliveries"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that formally making a person known to another or to the public
  • Words that mean the same thing: introduction, presentation, intro
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: INTROS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. Paradoxical answer to "Can you say what 'nyet' is Russian for?""

Quick Info: This answer has 12 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ____________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NOLETMETHINK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "30. Shadow, e.g."

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SPYON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "33. Overhead light?"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an indication of radiant light drawn around the head of a saint
  • Words that mean the same thing: annulus, nimbus, gloriole
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HALO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "34. Architect who lived to be 102"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that united states architect (born in china in 1917)
  • Words that mean the same thing: I. M. Pei, Ieoh Ming Pei
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PEI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "35. Boast"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that black birds having a raucous call
  • Words that mean the same thing: line-shooting, crowing, gasconade
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CROW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "36. Seems lit from within"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an alert and refreshed state
  • Words that mean the same thing: gleam, radiate, gleaming
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GLOWS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "38. Flexed"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way
  • Words that mean the same thing: dented, hang, crumpled
  • The opposite would be: unbend, straighten
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BENT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "39. Fell"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that make or shape as with an axe
  • Words that mean the same thing: hew out
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HEW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "40. Suffix with cyclo-"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TRON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "41. Meanders"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that direct one's course or way
  • Words that mean the same thing: wend
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WENDS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "42. Paradoxical answer to "Where does oil come from?""

Quick Info: This answer has 12 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ____________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WELLYOUGOTME

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "46. Comedian Aziz"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ANSARI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "47. What cheating might get you, informally"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BADREP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "50. Paradoxical answer to "What isle is located between Ireland and Great Britain?""

Quick Info: This answer has 12 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ____________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MANTHATSHARD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "54. View from a periscope"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a large body of water constituting a principal part of the hydrosphere
  • Words that mean the same thing: sea
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OCEAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "57. Word before run and stretch"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that where you live at a particular time
  • Words that mean the same thing: plate, place, household
  • The opposite would be: away
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HOME

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "58. Little wonder?"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that (physics and chemistry) the smallest component of an element having the chemical properties of the element
  • Words that mean the same thing: corpuscle, speck, particle
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ATOM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "59. "La Campanella" composer"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about music.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that hungarian composer and piano virtuoso (1811-1886)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Franz Liszt
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LISZT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "60. Surf sound"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a deep prolonged loud noise
  • Words that mean the same thing: holloa, thunder, roaring
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ROAR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "61. London transport, with "the""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about sports.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that conduit consisting of a long hollow object (usually cylindrical) used to hold and conduct objects or liquids or gases
  • Words that mean the same thing: pipe, thermionic vacuum tube, subway system
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TUBE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "62. Some plus-ones"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the specified day of the month
  • Words that mean the same thing: date, escort, go steady
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DATES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "63. Boom times"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • Words that mean the same thing: up
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: UPS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "64. Hurried"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that move faster
  • Words that mean the same thing: rush along, accelerate, race
  • The opposite would be: decelerate, linger
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SPED

    Great job if you got it right!

NYT Wednesday Crossword Down Clues - September 13, 2023 Answers

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Big drink 4
2D 2. None the ___ 5
3D 3. Breath control practice in competitive freediving 5
4D 4. "See?" 8
5D 5. Woman in a Lady Gaga song and album title (2016) 6
6D 6. Change the narrative? 4
7D 7. Scuba need 4
8D 8. Supplement 7
9D 9. Business executive's hope 6
10D 10. Feel under the weather 3
11D 11. "___ gotta run" 3
12D 12. Homer calls him "stupid Flanders" 3
13D 14. Part of a tape cassette 5
14D 20. Singer known as the "Queen of Power Ballads" 4
15D 21. Physics Nobelist Bohr 5
16D 24. Change from green to red, maybe 5
17D 25. Continually 5
18D 26. "S.N.L." routines 5
19D 28. Bikini style 5
20D 29. Gaping mouth 3
21D 30. Start or end for Alexa? 5
22D 31. Clean one's feathers 5
23D 32. Distress calls? 5
24D 36. Where two barrel vaults intersect, in architecture 5
25D 37. Baseball's Gehrig 3
26D 38. Wearable party gear with built-in straws 8
27D 40. Oppressors 7
28D 41. Modern warfare concern, in brief 4
29D 43. Delivery class? 6
30D 44. Malia and Michelle, for two 6
31D 45. Idaho product, slangily 5
32D 48. Really dig 5
33D 49. NASA project 5
34D 51. "No ___ Traffic" 4
35D 52. Kind of earring 4
36D 53. Contacted privately on social media, informally 4
37D 54. No longer in use 3
38D 55. The World Factbook org. 3
39D 56. Is, to Ovid 3

Now Let's Solve the Down Clues!

Down clues go from top to bottom. Use the letters from your across answers to help!

Clue 1 Down: "1. Big drink"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about food & drink.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a large and hurried swallow
  • Words that mean the same thing: slug, gulp, draft
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SWIG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. None the ___"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that having or prompted by wisdom or discernment
  • Words that mean the same thing: fresh, judicious, overbold
  • The opposite would be: foolish
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WISER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Breath control practice in competitive freediving"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that transient cessation of respiration
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: APNEA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. "See?""

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GETITNOW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Woman in a Lady Gaga song and album title (2016)"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about music.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: JOANNE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Change the narrative?"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that prepare for publication or presentation by correcting, revising, or adapting
  • Words that mean the same thing: edit out, blue-pencil, redact
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EDIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Scuba need"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an enclosed armored military vehicle; has a cannon and moves on caterpillar treads
  • Words that mean the same thing: tankful, tank car, armoured combat vehicle
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TANK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Supplement"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ADDONTO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Business executive's hope"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that (biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level
  • Words that mean the same thing: ontogeny, growing, increment
  • The opposite would be: decrease, decrement
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GROWTH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Feel under the weather"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that aromatic bulb used as seasoning
  • Words that mean the same thing: pain, garlic, trouble
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AIL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. "___ gotta run""

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: IVE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Homer calls him "stupid Flanders""

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "14. Part of a tape cassette"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a winder around which thread or tape or film or other flexible materials can be wound
  • Words that mean the same thing: reel, bobbin
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SPOOL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "20. Singer known as the "Queen of Power Ballads""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DION

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Physics Nobelist Bohr"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about science/technology.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NIELS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Change from green to red, maybe"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that cause to ripen or develop fully
  • Words that mean the same thing: mature
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RIPEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. Continually"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ONEND

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. "S.N.L." routines"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a short theatrical episode
  • Words that mean the same thing: skit
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SKITS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "28. Bikini style"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that leather strip that forms the flexible part of a whip
  • Words that mean the same thing: G-string, lash, flip-flop
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: THONG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "29. Gaping mouth"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that informal terms for the mouth
  • Words that mean the same thing: cakehole, hole, trap
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MAW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "30. Start or end for Alexa?"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a neutral middle vowel; occurs in unstressed syllables
  • Words that mean the same thing: shwa
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SCHWA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "31. Clean one's feathers"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that clean with one's bill
  • Words that mean the same thing: plume, primp, congratulate
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PREEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "32. Distress calls?"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a very loud utterance (like the sound of an animal)
  • Words that mean the same thing: holloa, roaring, bellowing
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: YOWLS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "36. Where two barrel vaults intersect, in architecture"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the crease at the junction of the inner part of the thigh with the trunk together with the adjacent region and often including the external genitals
  • Words that mean the same thing: jetty, inguen, bulwark
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GROIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "37. Baseball's Gehrig"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LOU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "38. Wearable party gear with built-in straws"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BEERHATS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "40. Oppressors"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a cruel and oppressive dictator
  • Words that mean the same thing: tyrant, autocrat, despot
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TYRANTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "41. Modern warfare concern, in brief"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about history.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a weapon that kills or injures civilian as well as military personnel (nuclear and chemical and biological weapons)
  • Words that mean the same thing: WMD, W.M.D., weapon of mass destruction
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WMDS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "43. Delivery class?"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LAMAZE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "44. Malia and Michelle, for two"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OBAMAS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "45. Idaho product, slangily"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an edible tuber native to south america; a staple food of ireland
  • Words that mean the same thing: Irish potato, spud, potato
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TATER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "48. Really dig"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EATUP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "49. NASA project"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities
  • Words that mean the same thing: dig into, examine, investigation
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PROBE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "51. "No ___ Traffic""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: THRU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "52. Kind of earring"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a light curved skeleton to spread out a skirt
  • Words that mean the same thing: basket, wicket, ring
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HOOP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "53. Contacted privately on social media, informally"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DMED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "54. No longer in use"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that past times (especially in the phrase `in days of old')
  • Words that mean the same thing: honest-to-god, previous, older
  • The opposite would be: new, young
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OLD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "55. The World Factbook org."

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about literature.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an independent agency of the united states government responsible for collecting and coordinating intelligence and counterintelligence activities abroad in the national interest; headed by the director of central intelligence under the supervision of the president and national security council
  • Words that mean the same thing: Central Intelligence Agency
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CIA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "56. Is, to Ovid"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that standard time in the 5th time zone west of greenwich, reckoned at the 75th meridian; used in the eastern united states
  • Words that mean the same thing: Eastern Standard Time, Eastern Time
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EST

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 54 73.0%
Short Answer 11 14.9%
Music 2 2.7%
Celebrity/Entertainment 2 2.7%
Sports 1 1.4%
Food & Drink 1 1.4%
Science/Technology 1 1.4%
History 1 1.4%
Literature 1 1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 35
Down Clues 39
Total Clues 74
Average Answer Length 5.0 letters
Shortest Answer 3 letters
Longest Answer 12 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

  • Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
  • Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
  • When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
  • Today is Wednesday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
  • Most clues today are about general knowledge
  • The average word today has about 5 letters
  • Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
  • Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

Disclaimer: Crossword clues are property of The New York Times. This educational content is designed to help puzzle enthusiasts improve their solving skills.

Last Updated: August 30, 2025 at 08:39 PM

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Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Trivia Week 4 NYT Mini September 29, 2026 Solutions & Guide

NYT Mini Answers September 29, 2026 - Trivia Week 4 Special

20 clues today. If you're stuck on any of them, scroll down — hints first, answers hidden underneath.

Popular Puzzles: March 31 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | June 30 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | February 17 2021 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for September 29, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date September 29, 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

Standard Mini size again: 5 across, 5 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 30. Copied
2 Across 23. Muslim holiday, informally
3 Across 53. Dad on "Black-ish"
4 Across 56. Couch
5 Across 33. "I ___ U" (candy heart message)
6 Across 35. Another plateful from the buffet, say
7 Across 20. Rich deposits of ore
8 Across 42. Work unit
9 Across 32. Terse
10 Across 17. Where some monster home runs land

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: "30. Copied"

Hints:

  • Kicks off with 'A' and wraps up with 'D'.
  • Blank it out and you get: A__D
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.

Answer:

Click to reveal APED

2 Across: "23. Muslim holiday, informally"

Hints:

  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • Starts with 'E', ends with 'D'.
  • It's a 3-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal EID

3 Across: "53. Dad on "Black-ish""

Hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal DRE

4 Across: "56. Couch"

Hints:

  • Pattern-wise it looks like: D___N
  • First letter's a 'D', last letter's a 'N'.
  • You could also think of it as "diwan."

Answer:

Click to reveal DIVAN

5 Across: "33. "I ___ U" (candy heart message)"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'L', ends with 'V'.
  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • It's a 3-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal LUV

6 Across: "35. Another plateful from the buffet, say"

Hints:

  • Count on 13 letters here.
  • Starts with 'S', ends with 'G'.
  • Blank it out and you get: S___________G

Answer:

Click to reveal SECONDHELPING

7 Across: "20. Rich deposits of ore"

Hints:

  • You could also think of it as "load."
  • Kicks off with 'L' and wraps up with 'S'.
  • It's a 5-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal LODES

8 Across: "42. Work unit"

Hints:

  • Count on 3 letters here.
  • First letter's a 'E', last letter's a 'G'.
  • Short form / acronym territory here.

Answer:

Click to reveal ERG

9 Across: "32. Terse"

Hints:

  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • In plain terms: marked by rude or peremptory shortness.
  • Starts with 'C', ends with 'T'.

Answer:

Click to reveal CURT

10 Across: "17. Where some monster home runs land"

Hints:

  • Pattern-wise it looks like: U_______K
  • Kicks off with 'U' and wraps up with 'K'.
  • Count on 9 letters here.

Answer:

Click to reveal UPPERDECK

Down Clues - 10 Total

These run top to bottom in the grid.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 6. Regret
2 Down 4. Numbered in a tournament bracket
3 Down 60. Sort
4 Down 34. Scanned lines, for short
5 Down 49. Move like Shakira in her "Hips Don't Lie" video
6 Down 37. Crossed (out)
7 Down 46. Perhaps not at all
8 Down 51. Courier and Century Gothic, for two
9 Down 27. Blue race in "Avatar"
10 Down 12. Like not-work-from-home days

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

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

1 Down: "6. Regret"

Hints:

  • You could also think of it as "repent."
  • This one runs 3 letters long.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.

Answer:

Click to reveal RUE

2 Down: "4. Numbered in a tournament bracket"

Hints:

  • Kicks off with 'S' and wraps up with 'D'.
  • It's a 6-letter word.
  • Basically, go to seed; shed seeds.

Answer:

Click to reveal SEEDED

3 Down: "60. Sort"

Hints:

  • Close enough in meaning: like.
  • In plain terms: a kind of person.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.

Answer:

Click to reveal ILK

4 Down: "34. Scanned lines, for short"

Hints:

  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • Kicks off with 'U' and wraps up with 'C'.
  • Count on 3 letters here.

Answer:

Click to reveal UPC

5 Down: "49. Move like Shakira in her "Hips Don't Lie" video"

Hints:

  • If that helps, the shape is: G____E
  • Count on 6 letters here.
  • First letter's a 'G', last letter's a 'E'.

Answer:

Click to reveal GYRATE

6 Down: "37. Crossed (out)"

Hints:

  • Blank it out and you get: E__D
  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • Starts with 'E', ends with 'D'.

Answer:

Click to reveal EXED

7 Down: "46. Perhaps not at all"

Hints:

  • If that helps, the shape is: I____R
  • It's a 6-letter word.
  • Kicks off with 'I' and wraps up with 'R'.

Answer:

Click to reveal IFEVER

8 Down: "51. Courier and Century Gothic, for two"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'F', ends with 'S'.
  • You could also think of it as "face."
  • This one runs 5 letters long.

Answer:

Click to reveal FONTS

9 Down: "27. Blue race in "Avatar""

Hints:

  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • It's a 4-letter word.
  • Kicks off with 'N' and wraps up with 'I'.

Answer:

Click to reveal NAVI

10 Down: "12. Like not-work-from-home days"

Hints:

  • This one runs 6 letters long.
  • Starts with 'O', ends with 'E'.
  • If that helps, the shape is: O____E

Answer:

Click to reveal ONSITE

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

A few things that actually help once you've been doing these a while:

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: 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?

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

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?

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

What actually makes someone good at Trivia Week 4?

It mostly comes down to recognizing common short answers and catching puns fast. The rest is just reps.

Does Trivia Week 4 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 29, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, September 29 2026 mini crossword

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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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