NEW Mini Crossword December 29: NEW Mini Crossword December 29: Answers and clues to solve today’s puzzle

As the last lazy Sunday of the year rolls around, there’s no better time to relax, unwind and enjoy a mental workout with the NEW Mini Crossword. Whether you’re at home enjoying the final moments of the holiday season or getting ready for the new year, today’s puzzle offers a delightful way to challenge your mind in just a few minutes.

NEW Mini Crossword, known for its compact and engaging format, remains a favorite among puzzle enthusiasts.

Unlike the larger, subscription-based New York Times Crossword, Mini is free to play and offers a bite-sized version of the classic puzzle, perfect for a quick break, as noted in a report by Forbes.

Today’s Clues: Highlights and Challenges

Today’s NEW Mini Crossword struck a balance between straightforward clues and a few tricky clues that could stump even experienced solvers.

For example, 5 Across, which asked for a word to describe a “first-rate crew,” caused some head-scratching. The answer? ATEAM, a nod to Mr. T and his iconic band of companions.Other notable responses included:

1 A hint: Getting closer, so to speak
Answer: HOT

5A Clue: First String Crew
Answer: ATEAM

7A clue: ___ journalism, style associated with Hunter S. Thompson
Answer: GONZO

8A clue: Rewarded “activity” for new parents
Answer: SLEEP

9 A clue: The opposite of more
Answer: LESS

Mini down clues and answers

1D clue: Moves like an excited dog’s tail
Answer: WAGS

2D Clue: Annular reef
Answer: ATOLL

3D clue: Zellweger from “Bridget Jones’s Diary”
Answer: RENEE

4D clue: Riddles in a children’s coloring book
Answer: MAZES

6D clue: Cleans the floor
Answer: MOPS

Although most of the puzzle was straightforward, words like ATOLL and GONZO might have given solvers pause.

However, the brevity of the Mini Crossword ensures that even challenging clues remain accessible.

Tips to solve faster

If you want to improve your solving speed, consider starting with the clues that feel most familiar.

For example, today’s 7 across – “___ journalism” – was easily recognizable as GONZO, which can help unlock other pieces of the puzzle.

Additionally, don’t hesitate to skip and return to more difficult clues, as filling in crosswords can provide useful hints.

Frequently asked questions

Do you have to pay for the New York Times crossword puzzle?

Home delivery subscribers enjoy free access to Premium Crosswords.

Is there a new NEW crossword every day?

Puzzles for Tuesday through Saturday will be available at 10 p.m. EST the night before, while Sunday and Monday puzzles are released at 6pm EST the night before.