The NYT Mini Crossword is a daily treat for word lovers who enjoy a quick brain teaser. Unlike the classic crossword that can take a chunk of your morning (and test your trivia skills across history, pop culture, and science), The Mini delivers a compact challenge that’s perfect for coffee breaks, commutes, or winding down at night.
But despite its small size, The Mini doesn’t always go easy. With just five rows and five columns, every clue has to pack a punch — and sometimes even seasoned solvers get stumped.
If today’s puzzle gave you pause, here’s a complete breakdown of the NYT Mini Crossword for Friday, June 14, 2024, including all the answers across and down.
Also read:
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Clues and Answers
Across:
1A. Someone who might have a special line to the entrance
Answer: VIP
A “VIP,” or Very Important Person, is the kind of guest who skips the general line and heads straight to the roped-off entrance — whether at a concert, club, or exclusive event.
4A. Dial-up device
Answer: MODEM
A throwback to the early internet days, a “modem” was once the main way to connect to the web. Even if your Wi-Fi setup has moved on, the word still lives on in crossword puzzles.
5A. The “U” in UV
Answer: ULTRA
In “UV” or ultraviolet light, the “U” stands for “ultra.” This spectrum of light is invisible to the human eye but has real-world effects — from sunburns to blacklight posters.
6A. Feature of a well-used apron, maybe
Answer: STAIN
Anyone who cooks or crafts knows aprons are magnets for mess. “Stain” is the battle scar of a busy kitchen life.
7A. Bird on the dollar bill
Answer: EAGLE
The American bald eagle appears on the U.S. dollar, a symbol of freedom and strength. It’s also a familiar crossword answer due to its symbolic weight and short, handy length.
Check Yesterday Crossword Answers:
Down:
1D. Physicist for whom an electrical measurement is named
Answer: VOLTA
Alessandro Volta lends his name to the electrical unit “volt.” His work in electricity paved the way for the modern battery and remains vital to physics today.
2D. Dog collar attachment, for short
Answer: IDTAG
Most responsible pet owners make sure their dogs have an “ID tag” on their collar — just in case they go on an unexpected adventure.
3D. Danger
Answer: PERIL
“Peril” means danger or risk, often used in dramatic storytelling or when describing hazardous situations.
4D. Artist’s creative inspiration
Answer: MUSE
A “muse” is the person or force that sparks an artist’s imagination. From poets to painters, many creatives attribute their best work to their muse.
5D. Quite a head of hair
Answer: MANE
A “mane” refers to a thick or long head of hair, often used to describe lions or humans with enviable locks.
Related:
Why the Mini is More Than Just a Puzzle
Solving the Mini isn’t just about getting the answers — it’s about the rhythm, the satisfaction of watching a grid fill up in under a minute (if you’re speedy), and the joy of spotting that one elusive word. It’s part wordplay, part reflex, and part morning ritual for thousands of players.
Whether you’re an NYT subscriber or just a fan of word games, the Mini taps into something universal: the simple pleasure of problem-solving. And when a single three-letter word holds you up for too long, a little help goes a long way.
Also read:
Want More Puzzle Fixes?
The New York Times suite of games doesn’t stop at the Mini. If you enjoy this type of daily challenge, you’ll probably love:
- Wordle – The five-letter guessing game that went viral.
- Connections – A category-matching puzzle that puts your brain’s pattern recognition to the test.
- Spelling Bee – A longer-form game that challenges you to find as many words as possible using a set of seven letters.
Each of these games has its own flavor, and many solvers add them to their daily rotation. And just like with The Mini, if you ever get stuck, we’ve got hints and answers ready to help.
