Every day is not complete for many of us until we finish all the free word games from the New York Times. The daily ritual of working on Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands has become a part of our routine. And let’s not forget about The Mini Crossword from NYT, which also has a dedicated fan following.
While NYT is known for its larger paid subscriber puzzle, The Mini Crossword has its own charm. Unlike other games that reset at midnight, The Mini resets at 10 p.m., adding to its allure.
For those working on The Mini Crossword on Thursday, January 22, 2026, and in need of some assistance deciphering the clues and solutions, this is the place for you. We have hints for both “Across” and “Down” words, followed by the answers to help you navigate through the puzzle without giving away all the spoilers at once.
Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Thursday, January 22, 2026:
– 1 Across: When doubled, a breed of dog – Hint: Ends with the letter “W”
– 5 Across: With 7-Across, Ben & Jerry’s flavor named for a rock legend – Hint: Starts with the letter “C”
– 7 Across: See 5-Across – Hint: Starts with the letter “G”
– 8 Across: “Whatever you decide is good with me” – Hint: Ends with the letter “Y”
– 9 Across: Whispered sound from a test cheater – Hint: Starts with the letter “P”
The Mini Crossword is not just about solving the puzzle; it’s about the journey and the challenge it presents. The clues are meant to tease your brain and test your wit, making it a satisfying accomplishment when you crack the code.
Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Thursday, January 22, 2026:
1 Across: When doubled, a breed of dog – CHOW
5 Across: With 7-Across, Ben & Jerry’s flavor named for a rock legend – CHERRY
7 Across: See 5-Across – GARCIA
8 Across: “Whatever you decide is good with me” – IM EASY
9 Across: Whispered sound from a test cheater – PSST
1 Down: Tournament victor – CHAMP
2 Down: “___ the scoop …” – HERES
3 Down: Killer whales – ORCAS
4 Down: Place for a bracelet – WRIST
5 Down: Tech used for many of the ping-pong scenes in “Marty Supreme” – CGI
6 Down: “Woo-hoo!” – YAY
In the never-ending quest to conquer word games, let The Mini Crossword be your daily challenge and your moment of triumph.
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.