For Saturday, August 22, 2026, the NYT Mini is a 7×7 puzzle. The Across answers are DIVES IN, ORIGAMI, HANGMAN, YUM, MAJORED, EYELASH and WET KISS; the Down answers are DOH, IRA, VIN, EGG YOLK, SAMURAI, I’M A MESS, NIN, MEW, AYE, JET and DHS. The clue “_a_er and _encil game” confirms the HANGMAN entry.
Across answers
- 1-Across: DIVES IN — “Gets right down to business”
- 8-Across: ORIGAMI — “Japanese for ‘folding paper’”
- 9-Across: HANGMAN — “_a_er and _encil game”
- 10-Across: YUM
- 11-Across: MAJORED
- 15-Across: EYELASH
- 16-Across: WET KISS
Down answers
- 1-Down: DOH
- 2-Down: IRA
- 3-Down: VIN
- 4-Down: EGG YOLK
- 5-Down: SAMURAI
- 6-Down: I’M A MESS
- 7-Down: NIN
- 11-Down: MEW
- 12-Down: AYE
- 13-Down: JET
- 14-Down: DHS
Check the date and disputed entries
This answer key is for August 22, 2026. The Eastern Herald’s dated guide gives the 7×7 grid and clue-answer pairs; NYT Game Solver’s archive also lists the August 22, 2026 puzzle and the 1-Across letter sequence DIVESIN. The archive confirms that entry’s letters, not its spacing. The Eastern Herald’s August 22 guide and NYT Game Solver’s archive listing provide those checks.
Parade’s page for the same date prints ORAGAMI and MAJOR, which conflict with the Eastern Herald’s clue-answer entries ORIGAMI and MAJORED. The latter spellings are used here. If checking a conflicting listing, compare its date, clue wording and crossing letters rather than relying on a single transcription. Parade’s same-date answer page shows the differing entries.
How the Mini works
The NYT describes the Mini as a smaller version of its crossword: fill the white squares with letters by solving Across and Down clues. NYT Games’ help text says Games and All Access subscribers can solve archived Mini puzzles; check the current NYT Games help page for up-to-date archive access details.
Quick Recap
#1 Best Overall
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.
