Today’s NYT Mini Crossword for Monday, January 26, 2026, starts the week with a surprisingly tricky clue for non-New Yorkers. While Mondays are usually the easiest day of the week, clue 6-Across might require some specific knowledge of recent NYC traffic laws regarding electric vehicles.
Whether you are stuck on the “Z” words or the hyperbole in 2-Down, we have the full solution below.
Puzzle Analysis
Today’s grid features a nice crossing of “Z” words, which is relatively rare for a Mini.
- Theme: No central theme, but a focus on modern city life (E-bikes, Green living).
- Tricky Clues: 6-Across is specific to New York City regulations (15 mph speed limits), which might stump players from other regions. 2-Down uses modern internet slang/hyperbole.
Hints for Today’s Puzzle
Need a nudge without seeing the completed grid? Here are hint-based breakdowns for the tougher clues.
Across Hints:
- 1 Across: A one-word witty comeback or insult.
- 5 Across: What you do to make a bicycle move (if it’s not electric!).
- 6 Across: A two-wheeled battery-powered vehicle.
- 7 Across: Environmentally friendly.
- 8 Across: Calculates the total.
Down Hints:
- 1 Down: The striped animal at the very end of children’s alphabet books.
- 2 Down: “I’m laughing so hard it killed me” (Hyperbolic internet phrase).
- 3 Down: In your birthday suit.
- 4 Down: Narrow, secluded valleys (often found in Scotland).
- 5 Down: A square object you shouldn’t try to force into a round hole.
Spoilers Below!
Warning: The section below contains the direct answers for today’s puzzle.
Mini Across Hints and Answers
| # | Clue | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Snappy put-down | ZING |
| 5 | Power a 6-Across, perhaps | PEDAL |
| 6 | Vehicle subject to a 15 m.p.h. speed limit in NYC | EBIKE |
| 7 | Eco-friendly | GREEN |
| 8 | Tallies (up) | ADDS |
Mini Down Hints and Answers
| # | Clue | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Animal found on the last page of an alphabet book | ZEBRA |
| 2 | “That was so hilarious,” hyperbolically | IDIED |
| 3 | Without clothing | NAKED |
| 4 | Secluded valleys | GLENS |
| 5 | Square ___ in a round hole | PEG |
How to Play NYT Mini Crossword
If you are new to the Mini, here is how to get started:
- The Grid: It is a 5×5 grid (sometimes larger on Saturdays).
- The Goal: Fill in all white squares with letters to form words based on the clues.
- The Timer: The game tracks how fast you solve it. Try to beat your personal best!
- Rebus: Unlike the main crossword, the Mini rarely uses complex tricks or “Rebus” squares (multiple letters in one box).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the answer to 1 Down in today’s Mini?
The answer to “Animal found on the last page of an alphabet book” is ZEBRA.
What is the answer to 6 Across?
The answer is EBIKE. This refers to recent regulations in New York City limiting the speed of electric bikes.
When does the NYT Mini reset?
The puzzle resets daily at 10:00 PM ET on weekdays and 6:00 PM ET on weekends.
