The New York Times Mini Crossword for Sunday, January 4, 2026, delivers a mix of pop culture trivia, wordplay, and everyday vocabulary — from Ron Swanson’s beloved bacon to the Hawaiian greeting “Aloha.” Get all the clues, hints, and full answers without spoilers.
For millions of daily puzzle enthusiasts, the New York Times Mini Crossword isn’t just a game — it’s a ritual. Whether you’re solving it on your phone during your morning coffee or after dinner with friends, this small but mighty grid packs in clever clues that reward both casual players and seasoned solvers. Unlike its larger sibling, The Crossword, which resets at midnight, the Mini refreshes at 10 p.m., giving fans an extra daily challenge.
Hints for Today’s NYT Mini Crossword
If you’re looking for guidance without spoiling the fun, here are strategic clues broken down by direction:
Across Hints
1 Across: Ron Swanson’s “number one favorite food” on “Parks and Recreation” — Ends with “N”
6 Across: It comes in black or green varieties, depending on ripeness — Starts with “O”
7 Across: Paramour — Ends with “R”
8 Across: In bronze medal position — Starts with “T”
9 Across: Feeling resentful, in slang — Ends with “Y”
Down Hints
1 Down: Streaks of lightning — Starts with “B”
2 Down: Hawaiian greeting — Ends with “A”
3 Down: The “C” of A.C.L.U. — Starts with “C”
4 Down: In the open — Ends with “T”
5 Down: Knowledgeable, and proud of it — Ends with “Y”
Complete Answers for Sunday, January 4, 2026
Ready to reveal the solutions? Scroll only if you’re prepared to see the final answers — no more hints beyond this point.
Across Answers
1 Across: Ron Swanson’s “number one favorite food” on “Parks and Recreation” — BACON
6 Across: It comes in black or green varieties, depending on ripeness — OLIVE
7 Across: Paramour — LOVER
8 Across: In bronze medal position — THIRD
9 Across: Feeling resentful, in slang — SALTY
Down Answers
1 Down: Streaks of lightning — BOLTS
2 Down: Hawaiian greeting — ALOHA
3 Down: The “C” of A.C.L.U. — CIVIL
4 Down: In the open — OVERT
5 Down: Knowledgeable, and proud of it — NERDY
These answers reflect the classic NYT style: accessible yet layered with cultural references. For instance, “Bacon” ties directly to Ron Swanson’s iconic character from “Parks and Recreation,” while “Olive” nods to the fruit’s common culinary forms. “Lover” as “paramour” adds a romantic twist, and “Salty” captures modern slang perfectly.
Whether you’re a veteran solver or new to the grid, the NYT Mini Crossword remains one of the most beloved daily puzzles online. Its brevity makes it ideal for quick mental breaks — perfect for commuters, students, or anyone craving a moment of intellectual play.
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