Mini hints and answer for September 26, 2026

Hints that get gradually more specific, then the answer if you need it. Nothing is revealed until you tap.

Clues18
Across7
Down11
ConstructorSam Ezersky

Today’s Mini clues, hints & answers

Every clue from this puzzle with a hint and the answer behind separate buttons, so you only see what you need. Click a clue for its own page.

Across

10A
Gen ___ (member of the "MTV generation") (3)
Starts with X, ends with RXER→
11A
Medieval weapon (7)
Starts with P, ends with EPOLEAXE→
15A
Fasting intermittently, say (7)
Starts with O, ends with TONADIET→
16A
Phrases differently (7)
Starts with R, ends with SREWORDS→

Down

1D
Shake, like a dog's tail (3)
Starts with W, ends with GWAG→
2D
Gaming console with a number in its name (7)
Starts with X, ends with EXBOXONE→
4D
Creamy pasta sauce (7)
Starts with A, ends with OALFREDO→
5D
"Believe it or ___ ..." (3)
Starts with N, ends with TNOT→
6D
Double-helix molecule (3)
Starts with D, ends with ADNA→
7D
Buddhism branch associated with gardens (3)
Starts with Z, ends with NZEN→
11D
"___ favor" (basic Spanish phrase) (3)
Starts with P, ends with RPOR→
12D
What snowboarders try to catch (3)
Starts with A, ends with RAIR→
13D
Crossed (out) (3)
Starts with X, ends with DXED→
14D
Creatures on U.F.O.s, for short (3)
Starts with E, ends with SETS→

How to solve the Mini

Click a square and type to fill the grid. Each clue is numbered and marked Across or Down; the answer runs from the numbered square in that direction. The timer starts when you open the puzzle, and completing the grid correctly stops it. There are no penalties for wrong letters, so experienced solvers fill fast and fix as they go.

Want the full method? Read our Mini strategy and tips, or check how to play the Mini on the hub.

Mini tips for tomorrow

  • Fill the long answers first. In a 5x5 grid the five-letter entries give you a letter in every crossing. Start there.
  • Read every clue once before typing. A quick scan usually reveals two or three gimmes that unlock the rest.
  • Trust the crossings. If an Across answer feels wrong, check the Down words through it rather than guessing again.

Done for today? Try The Midi, NYT Crossword, LA Times Crossword, all with hints first and answers behind a reveal.

Previous Mini puzzles

Mini FAQ

How many clues are in the Mini for September 26, 2026?+

18 clues: 7 Across and 11 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Sam Ezersky and edited by Joel Fagliano.

What are some answers in today’s Mini?+

For example: Alphabet song lyric before "Now I know my ABCs" (WXYANDZ); Sea creature whose name sounds like "Ah, baloney!" (ABALONE); Skin markings after a sunny day on the links (GOLFTAN).

What time does the NYT Mini come out?+

The next day's Mini is released at 10:00 pm Eastern Time on weekdays and 6:00 pm on weekends.

Where can I find past Mini answers?+

Every past Mini on GameAnswers.com has its own page with hints and answers for every clue. Click any date above.

Today’s other puzzle answers

Mini guides