NYT Mini Crossword Solutions for September 15, 2026: Complete Clue Guide

Overview

The New York Times Mini Crossword for Tuesday, September 15, 2026, brings a playful mix of modern slang, pop culture references, and everyday trivia. The compact 5×5 grid holds ten clues total—five across and five down—offering a quick yet satisfying challenge. From internet shorthand to a beloved cartoon detective, this puzzle keeps solvers on their toes.

Across Clues and Answers

• 1A: “That’s a no-brainer!,” slangily — OBVI (short for “obviously”)
• 5A: 5,280 in a mile — FEET (a standard measurement)
• 6A: F, on a test — FALSE (true-or-false grading)
• 8A: “Give me a break!” — CMON (casual exclamation)
• 9A: “Don’t walk” symbol at a crosswalk — HAND (pedestrian signal)

Down Clues and Answers

• 1D: Brand of bug spray with an exclamation point in its name — OFF (insect repellent)
• 2D: Long ___, Calif. — BEACH (Long Beach, California)
• 3D: Brainy member of the Scooby-Doo gang — VELMA (the smart detective)
• 4D: “Let’s do this thing” — ITSON (phrase of readiness)
• 7D: Conclusion — END (final point)

Why This Puzzle Stands Out

Today’s Mini Crossword leans heavily on contemporary speech, with answers like OBVI, CMON, and ITSON reflecting how people actually talk. The mix also includes a geography hint (Long Beach), a nostalgic cartoon reference (Velma), and a practical street symbol (HAND). Despite its small size, the grid feels fresh and varied, proving that even a 5×5 puzzle can deliver a rewarding mental workout.

For solvers who need a quick check or are stuck on a particular clue, the complete answers above provide everything required to finish the grid. Tomorrow brings another NYT Mini Crossword challenge with a brand new set of clues.