NYT Mini Hints and Solutions for 16. October, 2026
The Mini #24621 for Friday, October 16, 2026 is a 6x5 grid with 11 clues (5 Across, 6 Down), starting with 1-Across: “Stream of molten rock”. Every answer stays hidden until you reveal it.
Across
5 Across: "Cut that out!" (6 letters)
7 Across: Sticky note (6 letters)
8 Across: ___ Earhart, first woman to cross the Atlantic by airplane (6 letters)
9 Across: Website for restaurant bookings (4 letters)
Down
1 Down: Takes the L (5 letters)
2 Down: How sprinter Usain Bolt is named (5 letters)
3 Down: Eight, on a grandfather clock (4 letters)
4 Down: "___ boy!" (4 letters)
5 Down: Engage in a playful back-and-forth (4 letters)
6 Down: Heavy book (4 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 16, 2026
How many clues are in the October 16, 2026 NYT Mini crossword?
The Mini (#24621, 2026-10-16) has 11 clues — 5 Across and 6 Down.
What size is the October 16, 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.