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Daily Mini Crossword by Wordtips
Friday, December 5, 2025 by Wordtips
Play a free daily Mini Crossword puzzle. A fun alternative to the NYT Mini. Sharpen your skills, challenge your brain, and enjoy unlimited daily crosswords without a paywall.
How to Play Today’s Mini Crossword
Start Today’s Mini
Open today’s free Mini Crossword puzzle and you’ll see a compact 5×5 grid with numbered clues for Across and Down. Tap or click any square to begin. The active clue is highlighted, and the answer’s cells are outlined so you always know where letters will go.
Enter Letters and Move Through the Grid
Type a letter to fill the selected cell; the cursor moves automatically through the rest of that answer. Tap the same square or press Enter to switch between Across and Down. Arrow keys (or tapping another cell) let you navigate anywhere. Backspace removes letters so you can revise on the fly.
Use Crossings to Solve Tricky Clues
Every letter belongs to both an Across and a Down answer. Use these crossings to confirm tough fills: one correct letter helps unlock the other. Black squares act as separators — answers never pass through them.
Helpers and Error Checking
Stuck on a clue? Use optional helpers: Auto-Check to verify words, or if you are stuck then tap Reveal All to reveal the whole crossword.
Finish and Celebrate
You’ll complete today’s free Mini Crossword when every square is filled correctly. A success message confirms the solve and and you can admire the crossword.
Quick Tips for 🏃♀️ Faster Solves 🏃♂️ on the Crossword Mini
Start with short, easy clues to build momentum. Switch directions often to use fresh crossings. If a guess doesn’t fit, clear it quickly and try a new synonym. With its compact 5×5 grid, the Mini Crossword delivers a sharp, satisfying burst of wordplay every day — the perfect NYT Mini alternative without a paywall.
What is today’s Mini Crossword?
It’s a bite-size, 5×5 mini version of the classic crossword puzzle that refreshes once per day. The goal is to fill all Across and Down entries using the given clues. A quick word game you can finish in minutes or even seconds.
When does the daily Mini Crossword reset?
The puzzle updates once a day with a brand-new grid. If you don’t see it yet, refresh the page later. There’s only one official Mini Crossword per calendar day.
Is today’s Mini free to play?
Yes. You can open today’s free Mini Crossword, start the timer when you type your first letter, and solve at your own pace — no purchase required.
Can I replay or restart today’s puzzle for a faster time?
Absolutely. You can clear the grid to try again and chase a better solve time. It’s a great way to practice speed-solving on the same daily puzzle.
Are hints or error checks available?
Yes. Optional tools like Auto-Check and Reveal All can verify an answer or reveal in all answers.
Is the daily Mini Crossword the same for everyone?
Yes. The Mini Crossword grid and clues are identical for all players on the same date, making solve times and strategies directly comparable.
How long should a Mini take?
Most solvers finish in just a couple of minutes; experienced players often complete the puzzle in under a minute. The compact 5×5 format is designed for quick, satisfying solves.
What kinds of clues appear in a Mini?
You’ll see straightforward definitions, abbreviations, plurals, and occasional wordplay. Every letter belongs to both an Across and a Down answer, so use crossings to your advantage.