NYT Mini Hints and Solutions for 4. October, 2026
The Mini #24457 for Sunday, October 4, 2026 is a 6x5 grid with 11 clues (5 Across, 6 Down), starting with 1-Across: “Wine barrel”. Every answer stays hidden until you reveal it.
Across
5 Across: Leader of the Pussycats, in comics and film (5 letters)
6 Across: In a nutshell (6 letters)
7 Across: 2026 N.B.A. champions (6 letters)
8 Across: Denial that sounds like 7-Across in Pig Latin (5 letters)
Down
1 Down: "Santa Claus Is ___ to Town" (holiday hit) (5 letters)
2 Down: Pet adoption org. (5 letters)
3 Down: Like the texture of fine bedsheets (5 letters)
4 Down: Bad things to leave locked in your house (4 letters)
5 Down: "We said the same thing at the same time!" (4 letters)
6 Down: Hit the slopes (3 letters)
How NYT Mini Crossword Works
The NYT Mini Crossword is a bite-sized daily puzzle created by Joel Fagliano. Unlike the standard 15x15 daily crossword, the Mini uses a compact grid — usually 5x5, sometimes larger on Saturdays — designed to be solved in a few minutes. Today's Mini is 6x5 with 11 clues, and its longest answer is 6 letters.
- Across & Down Clues are divided into horizontal (Across) and vertical (Down) directions with numbers matching grid coordinates.
- Progressive Hints Use Hint 1 for a descriptive nudge or Hint 2 for starting and ending letter bounds before using full reveals.
- Daily Reset New Mini puzzles drop daily at 10:00 PM EST on weekdays/Saturdays and 6:00 PM EST on Sundays.
NYT Mini FAQ for October 4, 2026
How many clues are in the October 4, 2026 NYT Mini crossword?
The Mini (#24457, 2026-10-04) has 11 clues — 5 Across and 6 Down.
What size is the October 4, 2026 Mini grid?
A 6x5 grid.
What's the longest answer in this puzzle?
6 letters — no spoilers, but that's your longest foothold if you're stuck.