Hints before spoilers

Selected NYT Mini clues, explained

Get spoiler-light hints and original explanations for selected tricky NYT Mini crossword clues, organized by puzzle date.

Selected explanations, not a complete answer key.

We prioritize clues whose abbreviation, secondary sense, wordplay, name, or theme is likely to need an explanation.

Clue text identifies the puzzle entry; every hint, definition, and explanation here is independently written or materially reviewed.

August 19, 2026

5 selected, reviewed clues

August 18, 2026

6 selected, reviewed clues