Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Oct. 9

Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands and Connections puzzles.


The New York Times Crossword Puzzle is legendary. But if you don’t have that much time, the Mini Crossword is an entertaining substitute. The Mini Crossword is much easier than the old-school NYT Crossword, and you probably can complete it in a couple of minutes. But if you’re stuck, we’ve got the answers. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.

The Mini Crossword is far from alone in the Times’ stable of games. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.

Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword

Let’s get at those Mini Crossword clues and answers.

completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for Oct. 9, 2024

The completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for Oct. 9, 2024.

NYT/Screenshot by CNET

Mini across clues and answers

1A clue: Synonym for “close”
Answer: SHUT

5A clue: Actor’s workshop assignment
Answer: SCENE

6A clue: Civic maker
Answer: HONDA

7A clue: ___ sanctum (private chamber)
Answer: INNER

8A clue: Synonym for “close”
Answer: NEAR

Mini down clues and answers

1D clue: Pastry often served with tea
Answer: SCONE

2D clue: Temporary reddish dye
Answer: HENNA

3D clue: Far from over?
Answer: UNDER

4D clue: Droplet of sorrow
Answer: TEAR

5D clue: Vulnerable body part in soccer
Answer: SHIN

How to play more Mini Crosswords

The New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day’s Mini Crossword for free, but you’ll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.