Today’s New York Times Mini Crossword for Thursday, September 10, 2026, is a compact 5×5 grid that packs a surprising variety of themes into a quick daily challenge. From genetics to golf, denim to cinema, this puzzle offers a mix of trivia and wordplay that’s perfect for a mental warm-up.
Across Clues and Answers
The across clues cover science, fashion, and sport. Here are the solutions:
- 1A: Humans share about 99% of it with chimps – DNA
- 4A: Blue attire made of 1-Down – JEANS
- 6A: Bring together – UNITE
- 7A: Chunk taken out of a golf fairway – DIVOT
- 8A: Foreboding signs – OMENS
Down Clues and Answers
The down clues include fabric, personality traits, film, Olympic sport, and theater:
- 1D: Blue material in 4-Across – DENIM
- 2D: Gullible – NAIVE
- 3D: _ Chigurh, Javier Bardem’s Oscar-winning role in “No Country for Old Men” – ANTON
- 4D: Olympic martial art – JUDO
- 5D: Theater backdrops – SETS
A Puzzle with Interlinked Clues
One of the most interesting aspects of this Mini is the direct connection between 4-Across (JEANS) and 1-Down (DENIM). Solving one immediately gives you a strong hint for the other, making the grid easier to navigate. This kind of built-in linkage is a hallmark of the Mini and adds a layer of satisfaction for solvers.
Additionally, the puzzle touches on a wide range of topics—DNA serves as a genetics refresher, ANTON rewards film buffs familiar with Javier Bardem’s acclaimed performance, and JUDO brings an Olympic flair. The compact format ensures you can finish it in a few minutes, yet it still offers enough variety to keep things interesting.
Check back tomorrow for another fresh challenge from the NYT Mini Crossword.
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