Need help finishing today’s NYT Mini Crossword? The January 9, 2026 puzzle featured a few tricky Across clues that slowed down many solvers, even though the grid itself stayed compact and fast-moving.
Published daily by The New York Times Games, the Mini Crossword is designed for quick solves — but that doesn’t mean every clue is obvious at first glance.
Mini Crossword — Across Answers
- 1A. Question in a late-night text — YOUUP
- 6A. Plentiful — AMPLE
- 7A. Saint ___ and Nevis (Caribbean nation) — KITTS
- 8A. Baby-bringing bird — STORK
- 9A. Take care of the tab — PAY
Mini Crossword — Down Answers
- 1D. Himalayan herbivores — YAKS
- 2D. Fail to include — OMIT
- 3D. “High five!” — UPTOP
- 4D. The “U” of UV rays — ULTRA
- 5D. Annoying to deal with — PESKY
Why Today’s Mini Felt Tougher Than Usual
Several solvers noted that the Across clues required more interpretation than usual, while the Down answers helped unlock the grid more smoothly once a few letters were in place.
That balance between straightforward definitions and conversational phrasing is what keeps the Mini Crossword engaging, even for experienced players.
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