Need a little help cracking today’s NYT Mini Crossword? You’re in the right place. The Mini is a bite-sized puzzle—just five-by-five most weekdays—that delivers a quick burst of wordplay fun without taking up your whole morning.
If you’ve already solved Thursday’s, congrats! If not, don’t worry—we’re focusing on Friday’s puzzle here. Below, you’ll find extra hints, a spoiler-free nudge in the right direction, and finally, the full list of clues and answers. So scroll carefully if you want to solve it yourself first.
What Is the NYT Mini Crossword?
The NYT Mini Crossword is the little sibling to the legendary full-sized New York Times Crossword. While the regular crossword might take 30 minutes (or more) to finish, the Mini is designed to be completed in under 2 minutes. Some puzzlers even aim to beat it in under 30 seconds—yes, it’s that fast.
It’s available for free on the NYT Games website or the NYT Games mobile app. However, you’ll need a subscription if you want to access the full puzzle archive.
Also read: Today’s NYT Connections Hints and Answers for June 6, #726
Today,s NYT Mini Crossword Hints for June 6th
Ready for a few nudges to get those brain gears turning? Here are some non-spoiler clues to help you out if you’re stuck on today’s grid.
Across Hints
1A: Think of a traditional Japanese drink that might come in a small cup. Often consumed warm.
5A: A common suffix used in naming entertainment venues—especially multiplex theaters.
6A: A bone in your lower torso, also known from anatomy class.
8A: To stop yourself from doing something, or what a strict parent might say.
9A: What a child might yell on a slide or a rollercoaster!
Down Hints
1D: Something a ballerina does—graceful and circular.
2D: A synonym for approve or give permission.
3D: This famous pop artist often featured bold, cartoonish figures and was part of 1980s culture.
4D: If you’re confident, you might do this without realizing.
7D: A character from “The Simpsons” who serves drinks at Moe’s Tavern.
Today,s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for June 6th
Spoiler alert! If you want to solve this on your own, now’s the time to look away. Below are the actual clues and their answers.
Across
1A: Rice-based Japanese drink – SAKE
5A: It follows com- and du- – PLEX
6A: Latinized name for the city of Troy – ILIUM
8A: Refrain from – NOT DO
9A: An exclamation of glee – WHEE
Down
1D: Turn around – SPIN
2D: Give consent – ALLOW
3D: Legendary pop artist _____ Haring – KEITH
4D: Emit, as in confidence – EXUDE
7D: Bartender in The Simpsons – MOE
Related:
Solving Experience
This puzzle was fairly smooth sailing, though there were a couple of curveballs if you weren’t familiar with some cultural or anatomical references.
I started with the Across clues and immediately got SAKE (1A). That one always sticks in my head from sushi nights. PLEX (5A) came next—pretty easy if you’ve ever seen “Cineplex” or “Multiplex” on a theater sign.
ILIUM (6A) was the only one that made me pause. If anatomy isn’t your strong suit, this might have been a “get from the crosses” kind of answer. Luckily, the Down clues were generous. SPIN (1D) came right away with that ballerina reference, and MOE (7D) was a giveaway for Simpsons fans.
KEITH Haring (3D) is a classic if you’ve studied pop art. If not, it might’ve taken a guess or two.
I wrapped it all up with WHEE (9A)—the kind of gleeful exclamation you can’t help but smile at.
Total time: 42 seconds. Not my fastest, but a solid one for a Friday!
Also read: Today’s Wordle (#1448): Hints, Clues and Answer for June 6, 2025
Final Thoughts
That’s it for today’s NYT Mini crossword breakdown! A nicely balanced puzzle with a good mix of pop culture, language, and a touch of science. Nothing too obscure, but just tricky enough to feel rewarding.
Whether you’re in it for the speed or just want a mental warm-up for the day, the Mini is a fantastic way to stay sharp. I’ll be back next week with more daily crossword hints and answers, so be sure to bookmark the page or follow along.
Want to chat Mini, Wordle, or Connections? Let me know in the comments or join my puzzle-loving community.
