Looking for a daily dose of brain teasers to keep you sharp? If you’re a trivia whiz, today’s Mini Crossword from The New York Times might be right up your alley. And for those who love word games, finishing up the free puzzles from The New York Times is practically a daily ritual. Whether you’re tackling Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, or Strands, there’s something satisfying about completing these challenges.
While The New York Times is renowned for its larger Crossword puzzle, The Mini Crossword also has a dedicated following. This bite-sized game resets at 10 p.m., offering a unique challenge for puzzle enthusiasts. If you’re taking on today’s Mini on a Sunday like May 17th, and could use a hand, read on for hints and solutions for each clue.
For the crossword aficionados out there, you’ll find additional clues for the Mini Crossword on Sunday, May 17, 2026 below. Whether you’re solving across or down, these hints will give you a nudge in the right direction as you work through the puzzle.
Now, let’s dive into the clues for today’s Mini Crossword:
1 Across: Wedding entertainers, for short – **HINT: Ends with the letter “S”**
4 Across: Like admission to the Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. – **HINT: Starts with the letter “F”**
5 Across: Not try particularly hard at one’s job – **HINT: Ends with the letter “T”**
6 Across: “Didn’t mean to do that!” – **HINT: Ends with the letter “S”**
7 Across: Praiseful poem – **HINT: Starts with the letter “O”**
For the down clues:
1 Down: Hang loosely – **HINT: Starts with the letter “D”**
2 Down: Rory’s love interest on “Gilmore Girls” – **HINT: Starts with the letter “J”**
3 Down: “I’m all ___” – **HINT: Ends with the letter “T”**
4 Down: Caterer’s responsibility – **HINT: Starts with the letter “F”**
5 Down: Mourning dove’s call – **HINT: Ends with the letter “O”**
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, these clues will help guide you through today’s Mini Crossword. So grab a pencil and get ready to exercise your brain with some wordplay!
And if you’re looking for more word game recommendations, check out our list of 16 Games Like Wordle to keep your mind engaged throughout the day. Happy puzzling!
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.