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 dailyConnections,Connections Sports Edition,Wordle, andStrandsis a whole ritual for many of us. And we can't forget about the NYT's TheMini 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 onFriday,January2, 2026, 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!
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Hints for NYT's The Mini Crossword on Friday, January 2, 2026
Here are additional clues for each of the words in today's Mini Crossword.
NYT Mini Across Hints
1 Across: Fill in the ___ —HINT: Starts with the letter "B"
6 Across: Large quantity at a pot dispensary —HINT: Starts with the letter "O"7 Across: Remove one's name from, as an online photo —HINT: Ends with the letter "G"8 Across: Org. whose upcoming Artemis II mission will launch astronauts around the moon —HINT: Starts with the letter "N"9 Across: Parched —HINT: Ends withthe letter "Y"
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NYT Mini Down Hints
1 Down: Hop like a kangaroo —HINT: Ends with the letter "D"
2 Down: ___ lander (moon vehicle) —HINT: Starts with the letter "L"
3 Down: Squirming in one's seat —HINT: Ends with the letter "Y"
4 Down: College Football Playoff org. —HINT: Ends with the letter "A"
5 Down: Beer dispenser —HINT: Starts with the letter "K"
Answers to NYT's The Mini Crossword for Friday, January 2, 2026
Don't go any further unless you want to knowexactlywhat the correct words are in today's Mini Crossword.
NYT Mini Across Answers
1 Across: Fill in the ___ —BLANK
6 Across: Large quantity at a pot dispensary —OUNCE7 Across: Remove one's name from, as an online photo —UNTAG8 Across: Org. whose upcoming Artemis II mission will launch astronauts around the moon —NASA9 Across: Parched —DRY
NYT Mini Down Answers
1 Down: Hop like a kangaroo —BOUND
2 Down: ___ lander (moon vehicle) —LUNAR
3 Down: Squirming in one's seat —ANTSY
4 Down: College Football Playoff org. —NCAA
5 Down: Beer dispenser —KEG
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This story was originally published byParadeon Jan 2, 2026, where it first appeared in theLifesection. Add Parade as aPreferred Source by clicking here.
