For avid puzzle enthusiasts, the daily ritual of tackling the New York Times word games has become a beloved tradition. Among these, the NYT Mini Crossword offers a particularly engaging challenge. While the broader crossword is primarily reserved for paid subscribers, The Mini has garnered a devoted following due to its refreshing format and engaging clues.
Resetting each day at 10 p.m., The Mini offers players a new set of fun and thought-provoking puzzles. If you’re diving into today’s Mini Crossword on Monday, January 19, 2026, and looking for a little guidance, we have some handy hints and solutions that can help you along the way.
Here are the hints for today’s NYT Mini Crossword:
**Across Hints:**
1 Across: Crab’s grabber — HINT: Ends with the letter “W”
5 Across: “Giant” fruit in a Roald Dahl novel — HINT: Starts with the letter “P”
6 Across: Prefix similar to mega- — HINT: Starts with the letter “U”
7 Across: Fast and nimble — HINT: Ends with the letter “T”
8 Across: “Fantastic” animal in a Roald Dahl novel — HINT: Starts with the letter “F”
**Down Hints:**
1 Down: Large stringed instrument — HINT: Ends with the letter “O”
2 Down: Balloon material — HINT: Starts with the letter “L”
3 Down: 1/640th of a square mile — HINT: Ends with the letter “E”
4 Down: Just ___ the doctor ordered — HINT: Starts with the letter “W”
5 Down: Small bit of wind — HINT: Ends with the letter “F”
For those itching to see the answers, here they are:
**Across Answers:**
1 Across: CLAW
5 Across: PEACH
6 Across: ULTRA
7 Across: FLEET
8 Across: FOX
**Down Answers:**
1 Down: CELLO
2 Down: LATEX
3 Down: ACRE
4 Down: WHAT
5 Down: PUFF
This engaging word game not only sharpens the mind but also fosters a sense of community among players who share tips and solve puzzles together. The daily word games, including The Mini Crossword, continue to be a source of joy and entertainment in the busy lives of many. As we indulge in these word challenges, we also nurture our creativity and critical thinking skills, making each game a valuable experience.