The latest NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for Jan. 23, 2026 is now fully solved, offering fans a quick reference to every clue and answer. Below you’ll find a concise list of the across and down entries, along with a few helpful hints on how to tackle the puzzle.
At a Glance
- Puzzle date: Jan. 23, 2026
- Across clues: 1A-9A solved
- Down clues: 1D-5D solved
- Why it matters: A ready-made key for daily puzzlers and a snapshot of the NYT Mini Crossword format.
The puzzle is a compact version of the New York Times crossword, designed for quick completion. It features a small grid with a handful of clues, making it an ideal daily challenge for those who enjoy a quick mental workout.
The Puzzle
The NYT Mini Crossword is a 5-by-5 grid that appears each weekday. The version released on Jan. 23, 2026 follows the standard format: a series of numbered across and down clues that intersect at shared letters. The puzzle’s brevity means that each answer is typically a short word or phrase, and the clues often rely on wordplay or common knowledge.
The puzzle’s solution list is presented below, organized by clue type.
Across Clues
The across entries run left to right across the grid. Each clue is followed by its answer:
| Clue | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1A – Attach, as one plant to another | GRAFT |
| 6A – Email button with a backward-facing arrow | REPLY |
| 7A – Make very excited | AMPUP |
| 8A – Two-time Best Actor nominee Nick | NOLTE |
| 9A – Total dork | DWEEB |
**Explanation of the clues
- 1A asks for a verb that describes the horticultural technique of attaching one plant to another. The answer, GRAFT, is the standard term used in gardening.
- 6A refers to the familiar icon on many email interfaces. The arrow points backward, indicating a return or response, which is the function of the REPLY button.
- 7A is a colloquial phrase meaning to excite or energize. The puzzle’s answer, AMPUP, captures that sense of heightened enthusiasm.
- 8A points to the actor Nick Nolte, who has earned two Best Actor nominations. The answer simply repeats his last name, NOLTE.
- 9A describes someone who is overly enthusiastic or foolish. The slang term DWEEB fits that definition.
Down Clues
The down entries run top to bottom. Their solutions are:
| Clue | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1D – Word that can precede piano, total or staircase | GRAND |
| 2D – Cut again, as a lawn | REMOW |
| 3D – Company whose logo has a bite taken out of it | APPLE |
| 4D – Champagne glass | FLUTE |
| 5D – Laid-back kind of personality | TYPEB |
Explanation of the clues
- 1D is a word that fits before the nouns piano, total, and staircase. The answer GRAND works in all three contexts.
- 2D describes the act of cutting a lawn a second time. The verb REMOW is the correct spelling for this action.
- 3D is the name of a well-known technology company whose logo depicts a bitten apple. The answer is APPLE.
- 4D is a type of glass used for serving champagne. The word FLUTE is the common term.
- 5D refers to a relaxed, easy-going personality. The phrase TYPEB denotes this laid-back style.
How to Find the Answers
For those who prefer to solve the puzzle independently, the following steps can help:
- Read each clue carefully – many are straightforward, while others rely on wordplay.
- Cross-reference across and down entries – intersecting letters often confirm or rule out options.
- Use the hint page – the puzzle’s hints page offers a brief overview of the theme and any special rules.
- Check the Mini Crossword tips – a dedicated guide provides strategies for tackling the most common types of clues.
- Verify with the official answer list – once you think you have a solution, compare it against the published answers.
These steps mirror the process used by daily solvers and are consistent with the guidance offered on the puzzle’s hint page.
Additional Resources
If you want to explore more puzzles or improve your skills, consider the following:
- Mini Crossword hints page – a curated list of clues and answers for recent puzzles.
- Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword – a guide that covers common pitfalls and time-saving techniques.
- Daily NYT Wordle, Strands, Connections, and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles – a broader range of crossword-style challenges.
These resources are available through the puzzle’s official channels and are updated daily.
Key Takeaways
- The NYT Mini Crossword for Jan. 23, 2026 is fully solved and publicly available.
- Across clues include GRAFT, REPLY, AMPUP, NOLTE, and DWEEB.
- Down clues include GRAND, REMOW, APPLE, FLUTE, and TYPEB.
- A systematic approach to reading clues and cross-referencing letters leads to accurate solutions.
- Additional help can be found on the puzzle’s hint page and through dedicated solving guides.
Whether you’re a seasoned puzzler or just starting out, this quick reference should keep you on track for the next daily crossword challenge.
