To solve today’s NYT Mini Crossword puzzle, you’ll be exploring words inspired by dogs named after planets, sea creatures, Christmas carols, things with wings and popular coffee orders.
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 Crossword on Tuesday, August 18, 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 Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Here are additional clues for each of the words in today’s Mini Crossword.
NYT Mini Across Hints
1 Across: Big ___ (cuddling partner) — HINT: Starts with the letter “S”
6 Across: Mickey Mouse’s pet dog — HINT: Ends with the letter “O”
7 Across: Foamy coffee order — HINT: Starts with the letter “L”
8 Across: Inside information, informally — HINT: Starts with the letter “I”
9 Across: Blue streams down a yellow emoji’s face — HINT: Ends with the letter “S”
Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours
NYT Mini Down Hints
1 Down: Divide, as the check — HINT: Starts with the letter “S”
2 Down: It comes with wings on the side — HINT: Ends with the letter “E”
3 Down: “Get ___ town!” — HINT: Starts with the letter “O”
4 Down: Furry animal seen swimming around a kelp forest — HINT: Ends with the letter “R”
5 Down: Christmas carols — HINT: Ends with the letter “S”
Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Tuesday, August 18, 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: Big ___ (cuddling partner) — SPOON
6 Across: Mickey Mouse’s pet dog — PLUTO
7 Across: Foamy coffee order — LATTE
8 Across: Inside information, informally — INTEL
9 Across: Blue streams down a yellow emoji’s face — TEARS
NYT Mini Down Answers
1 Down: Divide, as the check — SPLIT
2 Down: It comes with wings on the side — PLANE
3 Down: “Get ___ town!” — OUTTA
4 Down: Furry animal seen swimming around a kelp forest — OTTER
5 Down: Christmas carols — NOELS
Related: NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Monday, August 17, 2026