Mini Crossword Answers — September 13, 2026

All across and down answers for the NYT Mini Crossword from September 13, 2026.

Daily brief

Mini #24453

Sunday, September 13, 2026

ready

Updated Sep 13, 2026, 7:14 PM EDT

Today's hints

Answer-free grid

123456····7····8···■9··■■

The blank grid is 5×5, with 3 blocks and 22 open squares.

Difficulty: 2

This band is shown with every input used to compute it.

answer-slot count
average answer length
crossing density

Clue wording is paraphrased — original clues at nytimes.com.

Mini Crossword

Sunday, September 13, 2026

Today's Crossword

Across

1.
Pouch brand name preceding "Sun"CAPRI
6.
Wagering one's total stack of chipsALLIN
7.
Alongside 9-Across, shiner cooled by a T-bone in vintage toonsBLACK
8.
Solitary; by oneselfLONE
9.
Partnered with 7-Across, anti-glare smudge for gridiron athletesEYE

Down

1.
Word for the first letter of CNNCABLE
2.
Fusion of metallic substancesALLOY
3.
Aerial vessel shouted after "It's a bird!"PLANE
4.
Mitch Hedberg's favorite grain for when you desire two thousand of somethingRICE
5.
Liquid used by an EpsonINK

Puzzle Insights

Focus on filling in the shortest words first
Use intersecting letters to narrow down possibilities
The Mini often includes current events and pop culture references
Plural clues typically end with 'S'
Look for wordplay in the clues - puns and double meanings are common

Mini Crossword Strategies

Starting Strategies

Scan all clues first before filling anything in
Start with the clues you're most confident about
Fill in plural answers when you identify them (usually end with 'S')
Look for 3-letter words, which are often common in crosswords

Common Abbreviations

Direction: N, S, E, W for North, South, East, West
Time: HR (hour), MIN (minute), SEC (second)
Organizations: UN, NATO, WHO, NBA, NFL, MLB
Academic degrees: BA, BS, MBA, PHD
Months: JAN, FEB, MAR, etc.

Working with Intersections

Use letters from completed words to help solve intersecting words
If stuck, focus on areas with the most filled-in letters
When two answers intersect, both must work with the shared letter

Common Mini Crossword Themes

Current events and holidays
Pop culture references
Wordplay and puns
Simple themes that bind several answers together

Yesterday's full result

2026-09-12

Puzzle Number

24210

Grid

- Letter
  O
  Number
  1
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  Y
  Number
  2
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  S
  Number
  3
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  T
  Number
  4
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  E
  Number
  5
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  R
  Number
  6
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  S
  Number
  7
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  C
  Number
  8
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  O
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  P
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  I
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  L
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  O
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  T
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  T
  Number
  9
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  U
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  R
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  N
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  K
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  E
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  Y
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  A
  Number
  10
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  W
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  A
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  Y
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Is Black
  Yes
  Is Circled
  No
- Is Black
  Yes
  Is Circled
  No
- Is Black
  Yes
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  V
  Number
  11
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  I
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  N
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  T
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  A
  Number
  12
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  G
  Number
  13
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  E
  Number
  14
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  E
  Number
  15
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  N
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  G
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  I
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  N
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  E
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  S
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Is Black
  Yes
  Is Circled
  No
- Is Black
  Yes
  Is Circled
  No
- Is Black
  Yes
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  M
  Number
  16
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  A
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  L
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No
- Letter
  E
  Is Black
  No
  Is Circled
  No

Clues

Number
1
Direction
across
Clue
Requesting this bivalve in Italy means asking for "ostriche"
Answer
OYSTERS
Word Info
Word
OYSTERS
Scrabble Score
10
Wwf Score
9
Number
8
Direction
across
Clue
Redmond-based tech giant's digital helper
Answer
COPILOT
Word Info
Word
COPILOT
Scrabble Score
11
Wwf Score
14
Part Of Speech
n
Definition
a relief pilot on an airplane
Number
9
Direction
across
Clue
Fully operational real estate requiring no work
Answer
TURNKEY
Word Info
Word
TURNKEY
Scrabble Score
14
Wwf Score
15
Part Of Speech
n
Definition
someone who guards prisoners
Number
10
Direction
across
Clue
Visiting team designation during sports broadcasts
Answer
AWAY
Word Info
Word
AWAY
Scrabble Score
10
Wwf Score
9
Part Of Speech
adj
Definition
not present; having left
Number
11
Direction
across
Clue
High-quality collectible item from decades past
Answer
VINTAGE
Word Info
Word
VINTAGE
Scrabble Score
11
Wwf Score
14
Part Of Speech
n
Definition
a season's yield of wine from a vineyard
Number
15
Direction
across
Clue
Noisy automotive parts that power vehicles
Answer
ENGINES
Word Info
Word
ENGINES
Scrabble Score
8
Wwf Score
11
Number
16
Direction
across
Clue
Document checkbox for a boy
Answer
MALE
Word Info
Word
MALE
Scrabble Score
6
Wwf Score
8
Part Of Speech
n
Definition
an animal that produces gametes (spermatozoa) that can fertilize female gametes (ova)
Number
1
Direction
down
Clue
Eight-note interval within a musical scale
Answer
OCTAVE
Word Info
Word
OCTAVE
Scrabble Score
11
Wwf Score
13
Part Of Speech
n
Definition
a feast day and the seven days following it
Number
2
Direction
down
Clue
"Okay, you're the victor"
Answer
YOUWIN
Word Info
Word
YOUWIN
Scrabble Score
12
Wwf Score
13
Number
3
Direction
down
Clue
Leapt suddenly
Answer
SPRANG
Word Info
Word
SPRANG
Scrabble Score
9
Wwf Score
12
Number
4
Direction
down
Clue
Cratchit's little lad spared by Ebenezer's transformation
Answer
TINYTIM
Word Info
Word
TINYTIM
Scrabble Score
12
Wwf Score
13
Number
5
Direction
down
Clue
Large mountain-dwelling mammal with branching horns
Answer
ELK
Word Info
Word
ELK
Scrabble Score
7
Wwf Score
8
Part Of Speech
n
Definition
large northern deer with enormous flattened antlers in the male; called ‘elk’ in Europe and ‘moose’ in North America
Number
6
Direction
down
Clue
Unhatched aquatic spawn
Answer
ROE
Word Info
Word
ROE
Scrabble Score
3
Wwf Score
3
Part Of Speech
n
Definition
fish eggs or egg-filled ovary; having a grainy texture
Number
7
Direction
down
Clue
Swine enclosure featuring a feeding bin
Answer
STY
Word Info
Word
STY
Scrabble Score
6
Wwf Score
5
Part Of Speech
n
Definition
an infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid
Number
12
Direction
down
Clue
"Blonde" star with a three-letter name
Answer
ANA
Word Info
Word
ANA
Scrabble Score
3
Wwf Score
4
Part Of Speech
n
Definition
a collection of anecdotes about a person or place
Number
13
Direction
down
Clue
Viscous hair-holding substance
Answer
GEL
Word Info
Word
GEL
Scrabble Score
4
Wwf Score
6
Part Of Speech
n
Definition
a colloid in a more solid form than a sol
Number
14
Direction
down
Clue
Ending attached to Japan or Sudan
Answer
ESE
Word Info
Word
ESE
Scrabble Score
3
Wwf Score
3

Source verification

Sources: 1
Agreement: single
Confidence: confirmed

1: verified (0 ms)

Checked 2026-09-13T07:30:02.729Z

Recent answers

2026-09-12 — puzzleNumber: 24210 · answers: OYSTERS, COPILOT, TURNKEY, AWAY, VINTAGE, ENGINES, MALE, OCTAVE, YOUWIN, SPRANG, TINYTIM, ELK, ROE, STY, ANA, GEL, ESE
2026-09-11 — puzzleNumber: 24502 · answers: REBUS, IDAHO, DECAF, SNOUT, SNL, RIDS, EDENS, BACON, UHAUL, SOFT
2026-09-10 — puzzleNumber: 24420 · answers: DNA, JEANS, UNITE, DIVOT, OMENS, DENIM, NAIVE, ANTON, JUDO, SETS
2026-09-09 — puzzleNumber: 24439 · answers: PATS, HITUP, EXTRA, HAWKS, EROS, PIXAR, ATTWO, TURKS, SPAS, HEHE
2026-09-08 — puzzleNumber: 24486 · answers: FLAG, ALEXA, BOGEY, BOIL, ART, FLOOR, LEGIT, AXEL, GAY, ABBA
2026-09-07 — puzzleNumber: 24501 · answers: SAW, EIGHT, ADIEU, RELAX, SET, SIDES, AGILE, WHEAT, EAR, TUX
2026-09-06 — puzzleNumber: 24480 · answers: RAW, JOULE, ARGUE, WEBMD, SOY, RUGBY, ALUM, WEED, JAWS, OREO
2026-09-05 — puzzleNumber: 24404 · answers: ALASKA, COMMON, LONELY, ELK, ISLAND, DIETER, KARATE, ACL, LOO, AMNESIA, SMELLER, KOLKATA, ANY, IDK, NET, DRE
2026-09-04 — puzzleNumber: 24475 · answers: MAN, LOOSE, INTHE, ATTED, MOON, MOTTO, ASHEN, NEED, LIAM, ONTO
2026-09-02 — puzzleNumber: 24478 · answers: FILM, VIDEO, REEFS, BRATS, OILY, FIERI, IDEAL, LEFTY, MOSS, VRBO
2026-08-31 — puzzleNumber: 24476 · answers: WEB, BEAU, TEARS, EARLY, CRY, WEARY, EARL, BUSY, BEAR, TEC
2026-08-30 — puzzleNumber: 24403 · answers: HARP, IVIED, PEPSI, COKE, NYT, HIP, AVEC, RIPON, PESKY, DIET
2026-08-29 — puzzleNumber: 24440 · answers: MAN, GAMES, ONMYWAY, RAD, GMO, STADIUM, SNORE, ITLL, MAMDANI, AMY, NEWGIRL, GNATS, SAMUEL, ORS, YOM, DOT

Archive statistics

Average Answer Length By Weekday

Saturday: 5
Friday: 4.4
Thursday: 4.3
Wednesday: 4.4
Tuesday: 4.4
Monday: 4.4
Sunday: 4.4

Most Repeated Fill

Count
4
Answer
TEN
Count
4
Answer
YES
Count
4
Answer
NET
Count
3
Answer
SHELL
Count
3
Answer
STY
Count
3
Answer
AISLE
Count
2
Answer
ALGAE
Count
2
Answer
ANGER
Count
2
Answer
ARGUE
Count
2
Answer
AUDIO
Count
2
Answer
BASH
Count
2
Answer
BRAVO
Count
2
Answer
CAB
Count
2
Answer
CORAL
Count
2
Answer
DAD
Count
2
Answer
DECAF
Count
2
Answer
EARLY
Count
2
Answer
ELK
Count
2
Answer
END
Count
2

How this brief was computed

Hint classes: computed

Generated lines used: 0

Verification run: 20260913T231418Z

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How It Works

The Mini Crossword is the New York Times' bite-sized daily puzzle, featuring a 5×5 grid with both across and down clues. We provide quick hints and solutions to help you solve it efficiently.

Mini Crossword Tips

Unlike the main crossword, the Mini almost never includes obscure knowledge
Think of common words, phrases, and current events
The Mini often includes wordplay and puns
Start with the shorter words, as they're usually easier to solve
When stuck, focus on intersections where you already have letters filled in

More Mini Crossword help

Mini Crossword Tips Mini Crossword Archive

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is the NYT Mini Crossword?

The NYT Mini Crossword is a 5x5 grid puzzle, much smaller than the standard 15x15 crossword. This compact size makes it perfect for a quick puzzle break, typically taking 1-5 minutes to complete.

What time does the NYT Mini Crossword reset?

The NYT Mini Crossword resets at 10 PM Eastern Time the night before, giving subscribers early access. For non-subscribers, it becomes available at midnight Eastern Time.

Is the NYT Mini Crossword free?

Yes, the NYT Mini Crossword is free to play on the New York Times website and app. Unlike the full daily crossword, you don't need a subscription to access the Mini.

Mini Crossword strategy & tips

Why the Mini is a speed game

The NYT Mini is a 5×5 grid (occasionally larger on weekends) that most solvers finish in under a minute or two. Because it’s small, every answer crosses several others, so the Mini rewards a different instinct than the big weekday crossword: get any foothold, then let the crossings cascade.

There’s no shame in skipping a clue you don’t know — in a grid this dense, two or three confident answers usually hand you the rest through their crossing letters.

Start with fill-in-the-blank and short answers

Fill-in-the-blank clues (e.g. “___ and cheese”) are the fastest gimmes — solve them first for free crossing letters.
Short common entries — three-letter answers like ERA, ONE, ATE, OREO, AREA show up constantly; spotting them instantly opens crossings.
Plurals and tenses — if a clue is plural, the answer probably ends in S; that single letter can crack a crossing word.

Let the crossings do the work

The core Mini technique: the moment you’re unsure of an Across answer, jump to the Down answers crossing it. Each crossing letter you place narrows the uncertain word until it’s obvious. Toggling between Across and Down at every intersection is faster than staring at one tough clue.

If a clue has multiple plausible answers (e.g. a 4-letter word for “shut”), don’t commit — wait for one crossing letter to disambiguate, then fill with confidence.

Know the “crosswordese”

The Mini reuses a vocabulary of short, vowel-friendly words that appear far more in crosswords than in life — OREO, ENO, ELI, ASEA, ETA, ESE. Learning to recognize these by their clue style turns a stuck corner into an instant fill — our Mini Crossword tips guide lists the highest-value crosswordese to learn first. The Monday Mini is the easiest; difficulty drifts up slightly through the week.

When a corner won’t fall

Re-read the clue for a double meaning — Mini clues love puns and “?” misdirection. If a corner is locked, fill every crossing letter you’re sure of and read the partial pattern aloud; the answer often appears once you see the letters. A new Mini is published daily and is free to play, and older grids are collected in the Mini archive.