Thursday’s NYT Mini Crossword mixes simple and tricky clues.
The puzzle adds a Hawaiian geography twist.
Familiar terms, social media references, and everyday phrases shape the grid.
Thursday brings another fresh NYT Mini Crossword challenge. The August 13 puzzle keeps the grid compact but mixes familiar words with a few tricky clues.
The puzzle features five Across clues and five Down clues. Some answers come quickly. Others need a second look.
Today’s grid also brings a small Hawaiian connection. Maui plays an important role in one of the clues. That makes a little island knowledge useful for finishing the puzzle.
For anyone checking the completed grid, the answers appear below with a short explanation for each clue.
1A: Like flamingos and cherry blossoms — PINK
The answer is PINK.
Flamingos and cherry blossoms share the same familiar color. The clue uses two very different examples to point toward one simple answer.
5A: Hawaiian island visible from Maui’s west shore — LANAI
The answer is LANAI.
Lanai is a Hawaiian island located near Maui. The clue adds a geographic twist to the Mini. This entry can prove harder for anyone unfamiliar with Hawaii’s islands.
The word may also look familiar from popular culture. The term “lanai” often describes a covered outdoor living space.
6A: Planet’s path — ORBIT
The answer is ORBIT.
A planet follows an orbit around a star. The clue keeps the definition short and direct.
This entry fits the Mini’s style well. A simple scientific term provides a quick win once the letters start connecting.
7A: Short Instagram video — REEL
The answer is REEL.
Instagram uses Reels for short-form videos. The clue points directly toward the social media feature.
The spelling can also create a small challenge. “Reel” has several meanings, but the Instagram reference makes the intended answer clear.
8A: Break off, as a relationship — END
The answer is END.
A relationship can end when it breaks apart. The clue uses “break off” as a phrase rather than a literal action.
The three-letter answer also makes this one of the quickest entries in the grid.
1D: ( or ), for short — PAREN
The answer is PAREN.
“PAREN” serves as a shortened form for parentheses. The clue refers to the punctuation marks themselves.
The entry can cause a pause because “paren” rarely appears in everyday conversation. Crossword familiarity makes the answer easier to spot.
2D: Where Mother’s Day breakfast might be served — INBED
The answer is INBED.
Mother’s Day breakfast often comes as a special meal served in bed. The clue turns that familiar phrase into one five-letter crossword entry.
The answer may initially look unusual because “in bed” normally appears as two words. The grid combines them into INBED.
3D: Tiny thing to paint — NAIL
The answer is NAIL.
A fingernail provides a small surface for painting. The clue takes a simple everyday activity and turns it into a compact crossword answer.
The wording can also suggest a tiny object such as a small nail. The beauty-related meaning provides the intended direction.
4D: First-aid container — KIT
The answer is KIT.
A first-aid kit contains basic supplies for treating minor injuries. The clue gives a straightforward definition.
Also Read: Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for August 12, 2026
This short entry can help connect several nearby letters in the grid.
5D: Origin stories, e.g. — LORE
The answer is LORE.
Lore refers to traditional stories, beliefs and knowledge passed down through generations. Origin stories can form part of that larger collection.
The clue uses a broader meaning rather than pointing toward one specific story.
The August 13 puzzle mixes everyday language, social media, geography and familiar expressions. PINK, ORBIT, REEL and KIT offer fairly direct routes into the grid.
LANAI, PAREN and INBED create more of the challenge. Each answer depends on recognizing the clue’s exact wording.
That mix gives Thursday’s Mini a balanced feel. The grid stays short, but several entries reward careful reading.
The Hawaiian clue stands out most. LANAI adds a location-based question to a puzzle otherwise filled with common words and modern references.
The NYT Mini returns every day with another compact word challenge. Thursday’s edition keeps that tradition going with a grid that looks simple at first but includes several clues that can slow down a fast solve.
For puzzle fans, the next Mini brings another set of clues, another small grid and another chance to finish without checking the answers.