Every day, there’s a ritual that calls for completion before the day’s end – tackling the free word games from the New York Times. The daily routine of working through Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands has become a must for many people like myself. And let’s not forget about the NYT’s The Mini Crossword, a fan favorite that resets at 10 p.m., a detail that sets it apart from the others that start over at midnight.
While The Crossword is a staple for paid subscribers, The Mini Crossword has garnered its own fan following. So, if you find yourself working on today’s Mini on a Friday in January 2026 and could use some help, we’ve got you covered with clues and solutions for each line. To avoid spoilers, we’ll first provide hints for both “Across” and “Down” words before revealing the answers.
For today’s Mini Crossword, here are some additional clues to guide you along:
Across:
1. Question in a late-night text
6. Plentiful
7. Saint ___ and Nevis (Caribbean nation)
8. Baby-bringing bird
9. Take care of the tab
Down:
1. Himalayan herbivores
2. Fail to include
3. “High five!”
4. The “U” of UV rays
5. Annoying to deal with
Now, let’s uncover the correct words for the Mini Crossword puzzle:
Across:
1. Question in a late-night text – YOUUP
6. Plentiful – AMPLE
7. Saint ___ and Nevis (Caribbean nation) – KITTS
8. Baby-bringing bird – STORK
9. Take care of the tab – PAY
Down:
1. Himalayan herbivores – YAKS
2. Fail to include – OMIT
3. “High five!” – UPTOP
4. The “U” of UV rays – ULTRA
5. Annoying to deal with – PESKY
In the world of modern women’s lifestyle, staying on top of daily tasks, including the NYT Mini Crossword, can be as essential as that morning coffee. So, grab your pen and let’s dive into some wordplay fun.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.