The NYT Mini Crossword returns on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 with a compact 5×5 grid that mixes basketball slang, coffeehouse lingo, and clever wordplay. This article provides the complete list of across and down answers along with explanations for each clue.
Across Clues and Answers
1A: Dallas hooper, for short
Answer: MAV. A reference to the Dallas Mavericks, commonly shortened to “Mavs.”
5A: Something to R.S.V.P. to
Answer: EVENT. Invitations often request a response, covering any gathering.
6A: Kind of patio that shares its name with a Hawaiian island
Answer: LANAI. A lanai is a covered porch; Lanai is also one of Hawaii’s islands.
7A: Heavyweight in an industry
Answer: TITAN. A term for dominant companies or powerful figures.
8A: Straight ___, every part of every letter in this puzzle’s grid
Answer: LINE. A self-referential clue pointing to the construction of the puzzle itself.
Down Clues and Answers
1D: Turn gooey, as cheese
Answer: MELT. Heat causes cheese to soften and become gooey.
2D: To no ___ (unsuccessfully)
Answer: AVAIL. Common phrase “to no avail” means without success.
3D: Large size at Starbucks
Answer: VENTI. Starbucks’ large drink size, above tall and grande.
4D: Flatbread sometimes brushed with garlic butter
Answer: NAAN. A soft South Asian flatbread often served with garlic butter.
5D: Sharp part of a fork
Answer: TINE. The pointed prongs of a fork.
Why This Puzzle Stands Out
Wednesday’s Mini packs basketball culture, coffee shop terminology, architecture, and even a meta wink at the puzzle’s own construction. The self-referential clue for LINE offers a satisfying “aha” moment. Whether you’re a daily solver or a newcomer, these answers help you breeze through the grid in minutes.
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