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Thursday, August 27, 2026

Quick NYT Mini Crossword August 27, 2026 (Trivia Week 4) - Solutions

Complete Solutions for NYT Mini Trivia Week 4 August 27, 2026

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Mini Crossword has 20 clues total. We have all the answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Popular Puzzles: July 29 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | December 07 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | August 31 2020 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for August 27, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Thursday, August 27, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date August 27, 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 {week_num} NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

This puzzle uses a 5 by 5 grid. That means 5 boxes across and 5 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 Puzzle Fast

  1. Read all the clues first - your brain will start working on them
  2. Fill in the short words first (3 letters or less)
  3. Use the crossing letters to help with harder words
  4. If a clue has a question mark (?), it's probably a joke or play on words
  5. Common short words: THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT

Quick Facts About This Puzzle

  • Total squares in grid: 25 (5 times 5)
  • Average time to solve: Less than 1 minute
  • Best time to play: During a coffee break
  • Difficulty level: Made for everyone to enjoy

Across Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from left to right in the puzzle.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 40. When doubled, first name in classic Hollywood
2 Across 29. "Sesame Street" character with a pet rock named Rocco
3 Across 43. Just sat around
4 Across 65. Hat decoration in a marching band
5 Across 53. Discombobulated
6 Across 14. Pre-Inca civilization known for its underground aqueducts and geoglyphs
7 Across 36. Not just my
8 Across 17. Currently being tried
9 Across 32. Alertness aid
10 Across 23. Make a right turn?

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. Also check out these helpful guides:

1 Across: "40. When doubled, first name in classic Hollywood"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'Z' and ends with 'A'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal ZSA

2 Across: "29. "Sesame Street" character with a pet rock named Rocco"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'Z' and ends with 'E'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal ZOE

3 Across: "43. Just sat around"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: L___D

Answer:

Click to reveal LAZED

4 Across: "65. Hat decoration in a marching band"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: P___E

Answer:

Click to reveal PLUME

5 Across: "53. Discombobulated"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: A___A

Answer:

Click to reveal ATSEA

6 Across: "14. Pre-Inca civilization known for its underground aqueducts and geoglyphs"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: N___A

Answer:

Click to reveal NAZCA

7 Across: "36. Not just my"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'R'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal OUR

8 Across: "17. Currently being tried"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: A___R

Answer:

Click to reveal ATBAR

9 Across: "32. Alertness aid"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'Z'
  • Word pattern: N___Z

Answer:

Click to reveal NODOZ

10 Across: "23. Make a right turn?"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: A___E

Answer:

Click to reveal ATONE

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 4. "You're not the only one!"
2 Down 53. Obsessively oriented
3 Down 30. Desert havens
4 Down 21. "Music for Airports" composer
5 Down 44. Completely missed shot
6 Down 29. Bear of children's rhyme
7 Down 25. Lens solution brand
8 Down 39. Console for Chrono Trigger, in brief
9 Down 48. Soak
10 Down 47. "It makes sense now!"

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. You might also like:

1 Down: "4. "You're not the only one!""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: I_____O

Answer:

Click to reveal ICANTOO

2 Down: "53. Obsessively oriented"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: A__L

Answer:

Click to reveal ANAL

3 Down: "30. Desert havens"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: O___S

Answer:

Click to reveal OASES

4 Down: "21. "Music for Airports" composer"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'O'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal ENO

5 Down: "44. Completely missed shot"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: A_____L

Answer:

Click to reveal AIRBALL

6 Down: "29. Bear of children's rhyme"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 10 letters
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: F________Y

Answer:

Click to reveal FUZZYWUZZY

7 Down: "25. Lens solution brand"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'U'
  • Word pattern: R__U

Answer:

Click to reveal RENU

8 Down: "39. Console for Chrono Trigger, in brief"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S__S

Answer:

Click to reveal SNES

9 Down: "48. Soak"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'G'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal SOG

10 Down: "47. "It makes sense now!""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: A____E

Answer:

Click to reveal AHISEE

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Here are the best tips from expert solvers:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Quick Scan: Read all clues once. Your brain starts working on them right away.
  2. Easy First: Fill in the shortest words (2-3 letters). These are usually simple words like "IT" or "ON".
  3. Use Crossings: When letters cross, they help you figure out harder words.
  4. Watch for Wordplay: Clues with question marks (?) are jokes or puns.
  5. Common Words: Remember these appear often: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • The letter E is the most common in English
  • Words ending in S are often plurals
  • If you see "___" in a clue, the answer fits those blanks exactly
  • Abbreviations in clues mean the answer is also abbreviated

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You know the puzzle patterns very well!
30-60 seconds Advanced Great job! You solve quickly.
1-2 minutes Good You're doing well. Keep practicing!
Over 2 minutes Learning You'll get faster with practice.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20 clues to solve
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25 squares to fill
Average Time: Most people solve in 1 minute 3 seconds
Difficulty: Medium

More Puzzle Help

If you like the NYT Mini, you might enjoy these other puzzles too:

Recent Crossword Solutions:

Common Questions About Trivia Week 4

When can I play the Trivia Week 4 Mini?

The Trivia Week 4 puzzle is available at 10 PM Eastern Time the night before.

How fast should I be able to solve Trivia Week 4?

Most people solve the Trivia Week 4 Mini in 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Don't worry if you take longer - speed comes with practice!

Do I need to pay to play Trivia Week 4?

No! The Trivia Week 4 NYT Mini is completely free. You don't need a subscription like the big crossword.

What makes a good Trivia Week 4 solver?

Good Trivia Week 4 solvers know common short words, can spot wordplay quickly, and use crossing letters well. Practice helps a lot!

Are the puzzles harder during Trivia Week 4?

Trivia Week 4 puzzles can vary in difficulty. Saturdays are often the hardest, while Mondays are the easiest.

About This Page: We provide hints and answers for the NYT Mini Crossword to help you learn and improve. This site is not connected to The New York Times.

Last Updated: August 27, 2026 at 11:07 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, August 27 2026 mini crossword

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Monday, December 1, 2025

NYT Down Today December 01, 2025: Complete Vertical Clues Walkthrough

Down Clues NYT December 01, 2025 - Today's Complete Vertical Solutions

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 41 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: July 07 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | September 29 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | December 17 2019 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for December 01, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Monday, December 01, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 01, 2025
Day of Week Monday
Total Down Clues 41 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Easy

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 41 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. ___ 1 (speed of sound)
2 Down 2. Result of yelling into a cave
3 Down 3. Supercomputer precursor
4 Down 4. Container on a ship from the Mideast
5 Down 5. Napkin's spot
6 Down 6. Best of the best
7 Down 7. Narnian talking lion
8 Down 8. Classic music style beloved by Weird Al Yankovic
9 Down 9. Performance in which a lady might be sawed in half
10 Down 10. Actress Noblezada of "Hadestown"
11 Down 11. Third-smallest country in the world (eight square miles)
12 Down 12. "Dinner is served!"
13 Down 13. Caught some Z's
14 Down 18. Country where sticky rice is a staple
15 Down 22. Prefix with friendly
16 Down 25. Zilch
17 Down 26. British singer Rita
18 Down 27. Adds unnecessary words to
19 Down 28. Computer menu heading next to "File"
20 Down 32. Preceder of skip and jump
21 Down 33. Ex-QB Manning
22 Down 34. Absolutely nail
23 Down 36. Bit of musical flair
24 Down 37. Effortlessness
25 Down 38. Establishments offering facials
26 Down 40. Game in which sound effects are banned
27 Down 41. Counterpart to sciences
28 Down 44. Split-___ soup
29 Down 46. Grew up
30 Down 48. Young 'un
31 Down 50. Bit of musical flair
32 Down 51. "Les Misérables" setting
33 Down 52. Midway Airport alternative
34 Down 53. Hospital glove material
35 Down 54. Wolf groups
36 Down 55. Disposed (to)
37 Down 56. Edmonton hockey player
38 Down 60. Chew, like a dog on a bone
39 Down 61. Teensy
40 Down 63. Tolkien tree creature
41 Down 65. "For sure"

Detailed Hints and Answers for All Down Clues

Need help? Here are comprehensive hints and answers for each Down clue. Also check these helpful guides:

Complete Down Solutions:

1 Down: "1. ___ 1 (speed of sound)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: M__H
  • Similar words: Ernst Mach
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MACH

2 Down: "2. Result of yelling into a cave"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: E__O
  • Similar words: reverberation, reverberate
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ECHO

3 Down: "3. Supercomputer precursor"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: M_______E
  • Similar words: processor, CPU
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MAINFRAME

4 Down: "4. Container on a ship from the Mideast"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'M'
  • Word pattern: O_____M
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OILDRUM

5 Down: "5. Napkin's spot"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'P'
  • Similar words: wash, lap up
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the upper side of the thighs of a seated person
  • This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LAP

6 Down: "6. Best of the best"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: E___E
  • Similar words: elite group, elect
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ELITE

7 Down: "7. Narnian talking lion"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: A___N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ASLAN

8 Down: "8. Classic music style beloved by Weird Al Yankovic"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: P___A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: music performed for dancing the polka
  • This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer POLKA

9 Down: "9. Performance in which a lady might be sawed in half"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: M______T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MAGICACT

10 Down: "10. Actress Noblezada of "Hadestown""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'A'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EVA

11 Down: "11. Third-smallest country in the world (eight square miles)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'U'
  • Word pattern: N___U
  • Similar words: Pleasant Island, Nauru Island
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NAURU

12 Down: "12. "Dinner is served!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: D___N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DIGIN

13 Down: "13. Caught some Z's"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S___T
  • Similar words: sleep, catch some Z's
  • Opposite of: wake
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: be asleep
  • This is Down clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SLEPT

14 Down: "18. Country where sticky rice is a staple"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: L__S
  • Similar words: Laotian, Lao
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LAOS

15 Down: "22. Prefix with friendly"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'O'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ECO

16 Down: "25. Zilch"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'Z' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: Z__O
  • Similar words: cipher, zip
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a quantity of no importance
  • This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ZERO

17 Down: "26. British singer Rita"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'A'
  • Similar words: OS, os
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a mouth or mouthlike opening
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ORA

18 Down: "27. Adds unnecessary words to"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: P__S
  • Similar words: dramatise, blow up
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PADS

19 Down: "28. Computer menu heading next to "File""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: E__T
  • Similar words: redact, blue-pencil
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: prepare for publication or presentation by correcting
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EDIT

20 Down: "32. Preceder of skip and jump"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'P'
  • Similar words: hop-skip, skip
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HOP

21 Down: "33. Ex-QB Manning"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'I'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ELI

22 Down: "34. Absolutely nail"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Similar words: unity, whiz
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ACE

23 Down: "36. Bit of musical flair"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: G_______E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GRACENOTE

24 Down: "37. Effortlessness"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: E__E
  • Similar words: repose, simpleness
  • Opposite of: difficulty
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: freedom from difficulty or hardship or effort
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EASE

25 Down: "38. Establishments offering facials"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S__S
  • Similar words: resort hotel, watering hole
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a health resort near a spring or at the seaside
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SPAS

26 Down: "40. Game in which sound effects are banned"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: C______S
  • Similar words: sendup, charade
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: player acts out a phrase for others to guess
  • This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CHARADES

27 Down: "41. Counterpart to sciences"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A__S
  • Similar words: graphics, prowess
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ARTS

28 Down: "44. Split-___ soup"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'A'
  • Similar words: pea plant
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: seed of a pea plant used for food
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PEA

29 Down: "46. Grew up"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: M_____D
  • Similar words: grow, suppurate
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: develop and reach maturity; undergo maturation
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MATURED

30 Down: "48. Young 'un"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'T'
  • Similar words: add, sum up
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a small amount (especially of a drink)
  • This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TOT

31 Down: "50. Bit of musical flair"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'F'
  • Word pattern: R__F
  • Similar words: thumb, flick
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a Berber living in northern Morocco
  • This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RIFF

32 Down: "51. "Les Misérables" setting"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: P___S
  • Similar words: City of Light, genus Paris
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PARIS

33 Down: "52. Midway Airport alternative"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: O___E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OHARE

34 Down: "53. Hospital glove material"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'X'
  • Word pattern: L___X
  • Similar words: latex paint
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LATEX

35 Down: "54. Wolf groups"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: P___S
  • Similar words: face pack, load down
  • Opposite of: unpack
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a large indefinite number
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PACKS

36 Down: "55. Disposed (to)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: P___E
  • Similar words: prostrate
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: having a tendency (to); often used in combination
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PRONE

37 Down: "56. Edmonton hockey player"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: O___R
  • Similar words: oil well, oil tanker
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a worker who oils engines or machinery
  • This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OILER

38 Down: "60. Chew, like a dog on a bone"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'W'
  • Word pattern: G__W
  • Similar words: wear away, eat at
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: bite or chew on with the teeth
  • This is Down clue number 38

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GNAW

39 Down: "61. Teensy"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: I__Y
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 39

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ITSY

40 Down: "63. Tolkien tree creature"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'T'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 40

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ENT

41 Down: "65. "For sure""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'F'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 41

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DEF

Expert Strategies for Solving Down Clues

Master the vertical clues with these professional tips:

Why Start with Down Clues?

  • Down clues often reveal key letters for intersecting words
  • Vertical patterns can unlock difficult sections
  • Many prefixes and suffixes run vertically
  • Down answers often help solve Across clues

Down Clue Patterns to Recognize

  1. Fill-in-the-blank clues: These are usually the easiest Down entries
  2. Prefixes and suffixes: Common word parts often run vertically
  3. Abbreviations: Look for clues with "Abbr." or shortened forms
  4. Plural indicators: Words ending in 'S' are common in Down
  5. Pop culture references: Names and titles often appear vertically

Time-Saving Down Techniques

Technique How It Helps
Scan all Down first Get a mental map of the vertical flow
Fill short Down words 3-4 letter words are often prefixes or connectors
Use crossing letters Across letters help confirm Down answers
Look for themes Related Down answers often share a theme

Frequently Asked Questions About Down Clues

What are Down clues in crossword puzzles?

Down clues are the vertical entries in a crossword puzzle that read from top to bottom. They're numbered and correspond to specific columns in the grid.

Should I solve Down or Across clues first?

Many solvers alternate between Down and Across clues to build momentum. Down clues can help unlock difficult sections by providing key intersecting letters. The best approach is to solve the clues you find easiest first, regardless of direction.

How many Down clues are in today's puzzle?

Today's NYT crossword has 41 Down clues.

Are Down clues easier than Across clues?

Neither direction is inherently easier. The difficulty depends on the specific clues and your knowledge. However, Down clues often contain helpful prefixes, suffixes, and word parts that can be easier to guess.

How do Down clues interact with Across clues?

Down and Across clues intersect at various points in the grid. Solving one can provide letters that help solve the other, making the puzzle easier as you progress.

About This Page: We provide comprehensive Down clues solutions and hints for the NYT Crossword to help you improve your solving skills. This site is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last Updated: December 01, 2025 at 05:22 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, December 01 2025 down clues

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Friday, February 13, 2026

NYT Mini Puzzle Trivia Week 2 February 13, 2026 - Solved

NYT Mini Puzzle Trivia Week 2 February 13, 2026 - Solved

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Mini Crossword has 20 clues total. We have all the answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Popular Puzzles: October 01 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | January 01 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | June 19 2021 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for February 13, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Friday, February 13, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date February 13, 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 {week_num} NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

This puzzle uses a 5 by 5 grid. That means 5 boxes across and 5 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 Puzzle Fast

  1. Read all the clues first - your brain will start working on them
  2. Fill in the short words first (3 letters or less)
  3. Use the crossing letters to help with harder words
  4. If a clue has a question mark (?), it's probably a joke or play on words
  5. Common short words: THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT

Quick Facts About This Puzzle

  • Total squares in grid: 25 (5 times 5)
  • Average time to solve: Less than 1 minute
  • Best time to play: During a coffee break
  • Difficulty level: Made for everyone to enjoy

Across Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from left to right in the puzzle.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 53. Provincetown catch
2 Across 54. Hit's counterpart
3 Across 26. Casual assent
4 Across 35. Le contraire de "après"
5 Across 27. Dating qualifier
6 Across 43. Alphabetically last nutrient in a multivitamin, often
7 Across 25. Catches
8 Across 44. Counsel council, for short
9 Across 45. Gives a wave, maybe
10 Across 13. "Abso-freaking-lutely!"

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. Also check out these helpful guides:

1 Across: "53. Provincetown catch"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: S___D

Answer:

Click to reveal SCROD

2 Across: "54. Hit's counterpart"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: S__Y

Answer:

Click to reveal STAY

3 Across: "26. Casual assent"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'Y' and ends with 'P'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal YEP

4 Across: "35. Le contraire de "après""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: A___T

Answer:

Click to reveal AVANT

5 Across: "27. Dating qualifier"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: C___A

Answer:

Click to reveal CIRCA

6 Across: "43. Alphabetically last nutrient in a multivitamin, often"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'Z' and ends with 'C'
  • Word pattern: Z__C

Answer:

Click to reveal ZINC

7 Across: "25. Catches"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: N__S

Answer:

Click to reveal NABS

8 Across: "44. Counsel council, for short"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal ABA

9 Across: "45. Gives a wave, maybe"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: S____I

Answer:

Click to reveal SAYSHI

10 Across: "13. "Abso-freaking-lutely!""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 8 letters
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: H______H

Answer:

Click to reveal HELLYEAH

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 32. Ones offering cheap shots?
2 Down 3. It's handled at the bar
3 Down 45. Word with guitar or go
4 Down 46. Historic event the French call "le jour J"
5 Down 5. Bishop's locale
6 Down 34. Honolulu thank you
7 Down 16. Offerings at a reception
8 Down 43. Canyon with a much-hiked section called the Narrows
9 Down 39. Puts down
10 Down 42. Blinkers?

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. You might also like:

1 Down: "32. Ones offering cheap shots?"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 8 letters
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: D______S

Answer:

Click to reveal DIVEBARS

2 Down: "3. It's handled at the bar"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: A____P

Answer:

Click to reveal ALETAP

3 Down: "45. Word with guitar or go"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: S__O

Answer:

Click to reveal SOLO

4 Down: "46. Historic event the French call "le jour J""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: D__Y

Answer:

Click to reveal DDAY

5 Down: "5. Bishop's locale"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
  • Another word like this: realise

Answer:

Click to reveal SEE

6 Down: "34. Honolulu thank you"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: M____O

Answer:

Click to reveal MAHALO

7 Down: "16. Offerings at a reception"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: T____S

Answer:

Click to reveal TOASTS

8 Down: "43. Canyon with a much-hiked section called the Narrows"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'Z' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: Z__N

Answer:

Click to reveal ZION

9 Down: "39. Puts down"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S____S

Answer:

Click to reveal SCORNS

10 Down: "42. Blinkers?"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: E__S

Answer:

Click to reveal EYES

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Here are the best tips from expert solvers:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Quick Scan: Read all clues once. Your brain starts working on them right away.
  2. Easy First: Fill in the shortest words (2-3 letters). These are usually simple words like "IT" or "ON".
  3. Use Crossings: When letters cross, they help you figure out harder words.
  4. Watch for Wordplay: Clues with question marks (?) are jokes or puns.
  5. Common Words: Remember these appear often: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • The letter E is the most common in English
  • Words ending in S are often plurals
  • If you see "___" in a clue, the answer fits those blanks exactly
  • Abbreviations in clues mean the answer is also abbreviated

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You know the puzzle patterns very well!
30-60 seconds Advanced Great job! You solve quickly.
1-2 minutes Good You're doing well. Keep practicing!
Over 2 minutes Learning You'll get faster with practice.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20 clues to solve
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25 squares to fill
Average Time: Most people solve in 1 minute 10 seconds
Difficulty: A bit tricky

More Puzzle Help

If you like the NYT Mini, you might enjoy these other puzzles too:

Recent Crossword Solutions:

Common Questions About Trivia Week 2

When can I play the Trivia Week 2 Mini?

The Trivia Week 2 puzzle is available at 10 PM Eastern Time the night before.

How fast should I be able to solve Trivia Week 2?

Most people solve the Trivia Week 2 Mini in 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Don't worry if you take longer - speed comes with practice!

Do I need to pay to play Trivia Week 2?

No! The Trivia Week 2 NYT Mini is completely free. You don't need a subscription like the big crossword.

What makes a good Trivia Week 2 solver?

Good Trivia Week 2 solvers know common short words, can spot wordplay quickly, and use crossing letters well. Practice helps a lot!

Are the puzzles harder during Trivia Week 2?

Trivia Week 2 puzzles can vary in difficulty. Saturdays are often the hardest, while Mondays are the easiest.

About This Page: We provide hints and answers for the NYT Mini Crossword to help you learn and improve. This site is not connected to The New York Times.

Last Updated: February 13, 2026 at 05:10 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, February 13 2026 mini crossword

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