Mini Answers

NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Thursday, January 1, 2026

Review the Across and Down clues from this puzzle, reveal optional hints, then check the completed grid and explanations for every answer.

Mini Crossword

Thursday, January 1, 2026
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

ACROSS

  1. 1.Word on either side of "___-eat-___"
  2. 4.Word on either side of "___, all ___!"
  3. 5.Word on either side of "___ say ___"
  4. 6.First-string squad
  5. 7.Causes injury to

DOWN

  1. 1.Someone who might be swimming with the fishes
  2. 2.An hour past midnight
  3. 3.Hand sanitizer targets
  4. 4.Like a crossword clue about crossword clues
  5. 5."I'll pass, thanks"

Mini Crossword Hint

Mini Answer on Thursday, January 1, 2026

1D
2O
3G
4M
I
N
E
5N
E
V
E
R
6A
T
E
A
M
7H
A
R
M
S

Mini Answer per Hint

ACROSS

  1. 1.Word on either side of "___-eat-___"(DOG)
  2. 4.Word on either side of "___, all ___!"(MINE)
  3. 5.Word on either side of "___ say ___"(NEVER)
  4. 6.First-string squad(ATEAM)
  5. 7.Causes injury to(HARMS)

DOWN

  1. 1.Someone who might be swimming with the fishes(DIVER)
  2. 2.An hour past midnight(ONEAM)
  3. 3.Hand sanitizer targets(GERMS)
  4. 4.Like a crossword clue about crossword clues(META)
  5. 5."I'll pass, thanks"(NAH)

Recent NYT Mini Answers

About the Thursday, January 1, 2026 NYT Mini

This puzzle has 5 columns, 5 rows, 5 Across clues and 5 Down clues. Use the clue list and blank grid first, then reveal the completed grid only when you need it.

One of today's longest entries is NEVER, answering “Word on either side of "___ say ___".” The explanations above connect each clue to its answer rather than presenting an unexplained answer list.