Today’s NYT Mini Crossword offers a mix of easy and tricky clues, making it a fun and quick brain exercise.
Two-part clues like RAGE + BAIT need extra focus, adding a satisfying challenge for solvers.
Daily Mini Crosswords help improve vocabulary, problem-solving skills, and keep the mind sharp every day.
The New York Times Mini Crossword brings a new puzzle every day. Each puzzle is small but fun. It is perfect for a quick brain exercise. Solvers enjoy starting their day with it. It makes the mind sharper and the morning brighter.
Today, Wednesday, January 21, 2026, offers another set of fun clues. The puzzle has easy and tricky words. Some clues are simple, and some need careful thinking. Solvers can enjoy words from daily life, movies, and pop culture.
This Mini Crossword is short but challenging. Paying attention to each clue helps solve it faster. Two-part clues are common, so connecting words is important. Let’s look at today’s answers and explanations.
1-Across: The slightest amount
Answer: ABIT
A very small amount or tiny piece of something.
5-Across: With 2-Down, intentionally inflammatory posts
Answer: RAGE
Part of a two-word clue about posts made to upset or annoy people.
6-Across: Dirty stuff
Answer: FILTH
Means dirt, grime, or anything messy.
8-Across: Five Below or 7-Eleven
Answer: STORE
Names of shops where people buy things every day.
9-Across: Something used to steer a rowboat
Answer: OAR
A paddle used to move or control a small boat.
1-Down: Sounds from a doggy daycare
Answer: ARFS
The barking sounds dogs make while playing.
2-Down: See 5-Across
Answer: BAIT
Completes the two-part clue with 5-Across as “RAGE + BAIT.”
3-Down: Domed home
Answer: IGLOO
A small, round house usually made of snow or ice.
4-Down: Small, colorful fish that's popular in aquariums
Answer: TETRA
A tiny, bright fish often kept in home aquariums.
7-Down: 2013 film in which Joaquin Phoenix's character falls in love with an A.I. operating system
Answer: HER
A movie about a man who falls in love with artificial intelligence.
Also Read: NYT Wordle Answer Today for January 20, 2026: Hints and Expert Walkthrough Revealed
Some clues today link across answers, like 5-Across and 2-Down. These need a bit more attention, but the hints make them easier. Solving step by step and checking the connecting clues helps complete the puzzle faster. Today’s Mini Crossword is fun, short, and satisfying, perfect for anyone who enjoys daily brain games.
For those enjoying multiple puzzle types, hints for Wordle, Connections, and Connections: Sports Edition are also available online. This provides extra challenge and entertainment for puzzle fans looking to try different daily puzzles.
Today’s Mini Crossword gave a fun mix of easy and tricky words. Words like ABIT, RAGE, BAIT, IGLOO, and TETRA challenged the mind. Solving the puzzle is a great way to start the day.
Tomorrow brings another Mini Crossword with new clues and answers. NYT Games gives daily puzzles that are fun and simple. Every day is a new challenge with new words. Players can enjoy solving and improving their skills every day.
Also Read: Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for January 20, 2026