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.
NYT Mini Crossword completed puzzle for Sept. 7, 2024.
Screenshot by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper/CNETMini across clues and answers
1A clue: Gross thing to find stuck under a desk
Answer: GUM
4A clue: New ___ (browser button)
Answer: TAB
7A clue: Common lunch hour
Answer: ONE
8A clue: Ex-QB Manning
Answer: ELI
9A clue: The dad in the "That's my dad!" moment from the 2024 Democratic National Convention
Answer: TIMWALZ
11A clue: Nail polish layers
Answer: COATS
12A clue: Many top 10 Billboard songs
Answer: POPHITS
14A clue: 401(k) alternative, in brief
Answer: IRA
15A clue: One may read "You Are Here"
Answer: MAP
16A clue: Conclude
Answer: END
17A clue: What each of Taylor Swift's albums represents, to Swifties
Answer: ERA
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: Acquired
Answer: GOT
2D clue: Mythical creature that's a national symbol of Scotland
Answer: UNICORN
3D clue: Accessory for notes and doodles
Answer: MEMOPAD
4D clue: Afternoon break for a cuppa
Answer: TEATIME
5D clue: Top-flight athlete
Answer: ALLSTAR
6D clue: Slang for the entertainment industry, with "the"
Answer: BIZ
10D clue: Baby's cry
Answer: WAH
12D clue: Circular kind of chart
Answer: PIE
13D clue: "Me day" destination
Answer: SPA
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.