NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Saturday, Jan 17, 2026

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Saturday, Jan. 17

Looking for the solutions to today’s NYT Mini Crossword? The Saturday, January 17, 2026 puzzle mixes pop culture, geography, and everyday vocabulary. One standout clue requires regional food knowledge, while the rest reward quick pattern recognition. Below are all Across and Down answers, clearly listed for fast checking.

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Mini Crossword Across Clues and Answers

• 1A: “It’s just so-so”
  Answer: MEH
• 4A: “Impression, Sunrise” painter
  Answer: MONET
• 6A: Ca on the periodic table
  Answer: CALCIUM
• 8A: City that’s famous for its lemon pepper wings
  Answer: ATLANTA
• 9A: Reality show episode in which cast members gather again to bicker
  Answer: REUNION
• 10A: Common wall coverings in a dorm room
  Answer: POSTERS
• 11A: Boxing bout enders, for short
  Answer: KOS

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Mini Crossword Down Clues and Answers

• 1D: Snail, clam or squid
  Answer: MOLLUSK
• 2D: 2021 Disney movie with the hit song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”
  Answer: ENCANTO
• 3D: Tushes
  Answer: HEINIES
• 4D: San ___, city between San Francisco and Palo Alto
  Answer: MATEO
• 5D: Private teacher
  Answer: TUTOR
• 6D: Complain
  Answer: CARP
• 7D: “Dogs are a ___ best friend”
  Answer: MANS

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Quick Solving Notes

• 8-Across (ATLANTA) is the trickiest clue if you’re unfamiliar with regional food culture.
• The puzzle leans toward straightforward trivia and vocabulary, making it faster than many weekday grids.
• Filling the Across clues first makes the Down answers fall into place quickly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the NYT Mini Crossword?

The Mini Crossword is a 5×5 grid, designed to be solved in just a few minutes.

What was the hardest clue today?

Most solvers found 8-Across (ATLANTA) to be the toughest due to its regional reference.

Is the Mini Crossword harder on weekends?

Weekend Minis are usually slightly trickier, but still much faster than the full crossword.

Where can I play the NYT Mini Crossword?

You can play it on the New York Times Games website and app.