For avid gamers, the day often culminates in completing the free word puzzles offered by the New York Times. Engaging in the daily riddles, including Connections, Wordle, Strands, and The Mini Crossword, has become a cherished ritual for many enthusiasts.
The Mini Crossword, despite being a smaller version of the renowned NYT Crossword, boasts a significant following. The game refreshes daily at 10 p.m., differentiating it from others that reset at midnight, making it a delightful evening challenge for puzzle lovers.
On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, the Mini Crossword presents an exciting blend of clues for players looking for a bit of assistance. Here are the hints for today’s game, with “Across” and “Down” clues outlined for your puzzling pleasure.
Across Hints:
1 Across: Planning to, informally — Starts with “G”
6 Across: ___ tolls (GPS setting) — Ends with “D”
7 Across: Pulsed quickly, as the heart — Starts with “R”
8 Across: Draw an outline of — Ends with “E”
9 Across: Prefix with loop for theoretical high-speed transport — Ends with “R”
Down Hints:
1 Down: Wayne’s sidekick in “Wayne’s World” — Ends with “H”
2 Down: Egg-producing organ — Starts with “O”
3 Down: “I’m serious!,” in slang — Ends with “P”
4 Down: Sister’s daughter — Ends with “E”
5 Down: Snake that sounds like it would be good at math? — Starts with “A”
For those eager to check their progress, here are the answers to today’s Mini Crossword:
Across Answers:
1 Across: GONNA
6 Across: AVOID
7 Across: RACED
8 Across: TRACE
9 Across: HYPER
Down Answers:
1 Down: GARTH
2 Down: OVARY
3 Down: NOCAP
4 Down: NIECE
5 Down: ADDER
This mini challenge continues to capture the essence of wordplay that the New York Times is celebrated for, allowing fans to indulge their love for puzzles while engaging their minds. So, whether you finished successfully or you’re gearing up for another try, there’s always joy in the pursuit of a good crossword.