If you’re anything like me, the day is not complete until I finish all of the free word games from the New York Times. Working on the daily Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands is a whole ritual for many of us. And we can’t forget about the NYT’s The Mini Crossword, too!
Although the NYT is known for “The Crossword,” a larger puzzle for paid subscribers, The Mini has quite the fan following as well. This particular game resets at 10 p.m., unlike some of the others that start over at midnight.
So, if you’re working on today’s Mini on for Today’s Mini Crossword on Sunday, April 12, and need some help (I’ve been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both “Across” and “Down” words, followed by “Across Answers” and “Down Answers,” so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!
🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬
Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Sunday, April 12, 2026
Here are additional clues for each of the words in today’s Mini Crossword.
NYT Mini Across Hints
1 Across: First-aid case — HINT: Ends with the letter “T”
4 Across: Rooster giving directions on a farm, maybe —HINT: Starts with the letter “V”
5 Across: Showing little enthusiasm — HINT: Starts with the letter “T”
6 Across: Borough said to be the birthplace of hip-hop — HINT: Ends with the letter “X”
7 Across: Bird of prey — HINT: Starts with the letter “H”
Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours
NYT Mini Down Hints
1 Down: “Bam!” — HINT: Starts with the letter “K”
2 Down: Bold way to solve a print crossword — HINT: Ends with the letter “K”
3 Down: Spinoff of a popular lecture series — HINT: Starts with the letter “T”
4 Down: Aloe ___ — HINT: Starts with the letter “V”
5 Down: “Frankly …,” in a text — HINT: Ends with the letter “H”
Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Sunday, April 12, 2026
Don’t go any further unless you want to know exactly what the correct words are in today’s Mini Crossword.
NYT Mini Across Answers
1 Across: First-aid case — KIT
4 Across: Rooster giving directions on a farm, maybe —VANE
5 Across: Showing little enthusiasm — TEPID
6 Across: Borough said to be the birthplace of hip-hop — BRONX
7 Across: Bird of prey — HAWK
NYT Mini Down Answers
1 Down: “Bam!” — KAPOW
2 Down: Bold way to solve a print crossword — ININK
3 Down: Spinoff of a popular lecture series — TEDX
4 Down: Aloe ___ — VERA
5 Down: “Frankly …,” in a text — TBH
Related: Pabst Blue Ribbon Teams Up With Smithfield for an All-American Collab That’s Perfect for Grilling Season
