At a Glance
- The NYT Mini Crossword released on Jan. 20, 2026 featured 10 across and 6 down clues.
- Solvers found the puzzle extra tough, especially with clues like 1-Across and 9-Across.
- The complete answer list includes KBBQ, ALOUD, MANIA, ANGEL, COTE, KAMA, BLANC, BONGO, QUIET, and DALE.
The New York Times released a Mini Crossword on Jan. 20, 2026 that challenged solvers with a mix of familiar and tricky clues. The puzzle included 10 across and 6 down entries, and many readers noted its difficulty. In this article we present the full answer list and explain each clue for anyone who missed the original release.
Puzzle Overview
The NYT Mini Crossword is a daily 10×10 grid that appears on the Times website and in the app. The 2026-01-20 edition was posted with straightforward clues and a few playful misdirections. Solvers reported that the puzzle felt extra tough, partly because of the unexpected answer for 9-Across, which many guessed incorrectly.
Puzzle Design
The grid consists of 10 rows and 10 columns, with each cell holding a single letter. The design follows a consistent layout that is easy to navigate. The puzzle is printed in capital letters, making it clear for solvers to read.
Puzzle History
The NYT Mini Crossword has been a daily feature on the Times website and app for years. Each edition offers a fresh set of clues for crossword enthusiasts. The 2026-01-20 edition continues that tradition.
Puzzle Access
Solvers can access the puzzle on the Times website or through the Times app. The puzzle is available in both print and digital formats. Many readers prefer the app for its interactive features.
Puzzle Themes
The 2026-01-20 edition was posted with a standard theme of straightforward clues. The puzzle contains no overarching theme that ties all entries together. A few playful misdirections add a layer of challenge.
Puzzle Difficulty
Many solvers described the puzzle as extra tough. The difficulty stems from unexpected answers and subtle wordplay. The 9-Across clue is a common source of confusion.
Across Clues Explained
| Across | Clue | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1-A | Style of cuisine with bulgogi beef, for short | KBBQ |
| 5-A | How bedtime stories are read | ALOUD |
| 7-A | Huge craze | MANIA |
| 8-A | Figure painted by Michelangelo, hidden in the name “Michelangelo” | ANGEL |
| 9-A | Home for doves or pigeons | COTE |
- KBBQ is a shortened form of Korean barbecue, a cuisine that often features bulgogi beef. The clue references the popular dish and its abbreviation. The answer fits the grid with four letters.
- ALOUD is the term used when stories are read in a voice that others can hear. The clue contrasts with reading silently. The answer appears in the puzzle as a simple adjective.
- MANIA denotes an intense enthusiasm or craze. The clue hints at an over-the-top excitement. The answer is a common word that fits the grid.
- ANGEL is a figure that appears in Michelangelo’s art. The clue cleverly hides the word inside the name “Michelangelo.” The answer is revealed when the hidden letters are read.
- COTE is a French word meaning a small enclosure for birds. The clue points to a place where doves or pigeons might live. The answer is a subtle variation that appears in the clue.
Down Clues Explained
| Down | Clue | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1-D | ___ Sutra | KAMA |
| 2-D | Sauvignon ___ (wine variety) | BLANC |
| 3-D | Large drum played by hand | BONGO |
| 4-D | “Pipe down!” | QUIET |
| 6-D | Chip’s chipmunk pal | DALE |
- KAMA is a Sanskrit term that translates to “love.” The clue references a well-known text in Hindu philosophy. The answer is a four-letter word.
- BLANC is a French word meaning “white,” used in the name of a popular grape variety for white wine. The clue indicates a wine type. The answer fits the grid with five letters.
- BONGO is a pair of small drums that are played by hand. The clue describes a musical instrument. The answer appears in the puzzle as a common word.
- QUIET is an adjective that means not noisy. The clue is a playful way of telling someone to be quiet. The answer is a five-letter word.
- DALE is the name of the chipmunk friend of the cartoon character Chip. The clue relies on knowledge of a classic children’s show. The answer fits the grid with four letters.
Puzzle Solving Tips
- Cross-check letters: Verify uncertain answers by looking at intersecting words. This helps confirm the correctness of a solution.
- Look for wordplay: Many clues use puns or hidden words. Identifying these tricks can speed up solving.
- Use the hint page: The NYT puzzle hints page offers daily clues and answers. Checking it can help if you’re stuck.
Puzzle Community
Crossword enthusiasts often share their solutions on social media and forums. Discussing the 2026-01-20 puzzle online can provide new insights. The NYT community appreciates a quick solution after the daily challenge.
Puzzle Answer Summary
The 2026-01-20 NYT Mini Crossword contains 16 entries in total. The across answers are KBBQ, ALOUD, MANIA, ANGEL, and COTE. The down answers are KAMA, BLANC, BONGO, QUIET, and DALE.
Puzzle Answer List
| Entry | Clue | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1-A | Style of cuisine with bulgogi beef, for short | KBBQ |
| 5-A | How bedtime stories are read | ALOUD |
| 7-A | Huge craze | MANIA |
| 8-A | Figure painted by Michelangelo, hidden in the name “Michelangelo” | ANGEL |
| 9-A | Home for doves or pigeons | COTE |
| 1-D | ___ Sutra | KAMA |
| 2-D | Sauvignon ___ (wine variety) | BLANC |
| 3-D | Large drum played by hand | BONGO |
| 4-D | “Pipe down!” | QUIET |
| 6-D | Chip’s chipmunk pal | DALE |
Key Takeaways
- The puzzle released on Jan. 20, 2026 included 10 across and 6 down entries.
- Answers such as KBBQ and COTE were highlighted as tricky.
- The NYT puzzle hints page provides useful daily guidance.
Conclusion
Whether you solved the puzzle on the first try or only after reviewing the answers, the 2026-01-20 edition offers a rewarding challenge. The full answer list and clue explanations help you appreciate the puzzle’s design and difficulty.
