NYT Mini Crossword Answers for September 8, 2026: Hints and Solutions

Overview

The New York Times Mini Crossword for Tuesday, September 8, 2026, offers a compact five-by-five grid that blends tech, golf, and 70s pop culture. Ten clues total—five Across and five Down—keep the solve quick and light, though a few answers like ALEXA, BOGEY, and AXEL may require a second look. The puzzle resets nightly at 10 p.m. Eastern.

Hints (Spoiler-Free)

Across Hints

• 1A: National symbol; starts with “F.”
• 5A: Wake word for a popular smart speaker; ends with “A.”
• 6A: Golf scoring term; ends with “Y.”
• 7A: Kitchen instruction for pasta water; starts with “B.”
• 8A: Home decor; ends with “T.”

Down Hints

• 1D: Building feature; ends with “R.”
• 2D: Casual phrase meaning authentic; ends with “T.”
• 3D: Skating move; starts with “A.”
• 4D: Blended word tied to neighborhoods; ends with “Y.”
• 5D: Legendary band; starts with “A.”

Solving Tips

Tackle short clues first—three- and four-letter answers narrow the field quickly. Cross-check letters between Across and Down before committing. Music and pop culture clues often unlock neighboring boxes, so prioritize them early. Today’s puzzle rewards recognition of brand names and casual slang over formal vocabulary.

Spoiler Alert: Full Answers

Across Answers

1. 1A: The Stars and Stripes, e.g. → FLAG
2. 5A: Wake word for an Amazon device → ALEXA
3. 6A: +1 score in golf → BOGEY
4. 7A: Prepare water for pasta → BOIL
5. 8A: Some wall decorations → ART

Down Answers

1. 1D: Elevator selection → FLOOR
2. 2D: Not phony, informally → LEGIT
3. 3D: Figure skating jump → AXEL
4. 4D: Half of a portmanteau combined with “-borhood” → GAY
5. 5D: “Dancing Queen” band → ABBA

Why Today’s Puzzle Feels Balanced

Tuesday’s grid mixes categories well—tech, sports, food prep, and music trivia each get a moment. Nothing requires specialist knowledge, though ALEXA and AXEL might trip up players unfamiliar with brand names or skating terms. Difficulty stays at a gentle mid-week level, a slight step up from Monday’s usual ease.

How the Mini Crossword Works

The Mini uses a compact five-by-five grid with ten total clues split evenly between Across and Down. It resets daily at 10 p.m. Eastern, earlier than most other NYT Games. Speed matters for competitive solvers tracking personal best times.

More NYT Games to Try

After finishing the Mini, try Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition, and Strands. Each tests different skills—vocabulary guessing, pattern recognition, and more. Another fresh Mini arrives tomorrow with ten brand-new clues.