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The NYT Mini Crossword for January 14, 2026, offers clear clues, simple words, and quick fun that fits easily into daily routines.
Today’s puzzle blends modern culture, history, science, and everyday terms for a balanced and enjoyable solving experience.
The Mini Crossword continues to strengthen NYT Games by delivering a short, friendly, and consistent daily word challenge.
The NYT Mini Crossword returns today with another smart and enjoyable puzzle. Every day, this short crossword brings a fresh challenge that fits easily into a busy routine. The grid stays small, but the fun stays big. January 14, 2026, continues this daily tradition with clues that feel familiar, clear, and engaging.
The Mini Crossword welcomes players with simple words and quick thinking. Some clues solve instantly. Others need a second look. The joy comes from connecting letters and watching the grid come together. Today’s puzzle blends modern language, general knowledge, and everyday ideas.
This crossword reminds fans why NYT Games remain popular worldwide. The Mini works as a warm-up for longer puzzles. It also stands strong on its own. Each day feels like an invitation to pause, think, and enjoy a few moments of wordplay.
1A: Abruptly stop texting
Answer: GHOST
Explanation: Ghost means suddenly cutting off communication without replying to messages.
6A: Shaving kit item
Answer: RAZOR
Explanation: A razor is a basic tool commonly kept in a shaving kit.
7A: 2024 film role for which Mikey Madison won Best Actress
Answer: ANORA
Explanation: Anora is the character role that earned Mikey Madison the Best Actress award.
8A: The ancient Chinese used compressed blocks of tea leaves as this
Answer: MONEY
Explanation: Tea bricks once served as a form of currency in ancient Chinese trade.
9A: Shape of a round chart
Answer: PIE
Explanation: A round chart is called a pie chart because it resembles a sliced pie.
1D: Dad's dad, informally
Answer: GRAMP
Explanation: Gramp is a casual term used for a grandfather.
2D: Capital of Vietnam
Answer: HANOI
Explanation: Hanoi is the official capital city of Vietnam.
3D: ___ layer, part of Earth's atmosphere
Answer: OZONE
Explanation: The ozone layer protects Earth by blocking harmful ultraviolet rays.
4D: How you might wake up after sleeping funny
Answer: SORE
Explanation: Sleeping in an awkward position often causes body soreness.
5D: Cafeteria food carrier
Answer: TRAY
Explanation: A tray holds plates and food while moving through a cafeteria.
Also Read: NYT Connections Hints and Answers for January 13, 2026 (Puzzle #947)
The January 14 Mini Crossword feels balanced and friendly. The clues stay clear. The answers stay short. The grid never feels heavy or confusing. Each word connects smoothly with the next.
The puzzle moves between modern life, history, science, and daily objects. That mix keeps the experience fresh. The Mini Crossword also rewards quick thinking and pattern spotting. A few solved answers often unlock the rest of the grid.
NYT Games continue to grow because of this consistency. The Mini Crossword appears every day. The quality stays strong. Players know what to expect and still find something new.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword delivers another satisfying daily challenge. The clues stay simple. The answers feel clear. The puzzle finishes fast and leaves a good feeling behind. This edition highlights why the Mini format remains popular. It entertains. It educates. It respects the solver’s pace. January 14, 2026, adds another enjoyable chapter to the ongoing daily crossword tradition.
Tomorrow awaits with another new grid and a fresh set of clues. NYT Games will continue to offer wordplay, logic, and fun every single day. The Mini Crossword remains a small puzzle with a big place in daily routines.
Also Read: Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for January 13, 2026
