Welcome to The Mini Hints! If you’re a fan of the New York Times daily word games, you know the routine. Between Wordle, Connections, and Strands, the day just isn’t finished until the grids are full. But for many of us, the NYT Mini Crossword is the best part of the ritual.
Unlike the larger daily puzzles, the Mini resets every night at 10 p.m. ET. If you are sitting down with the Saturday, May 2 puzzle and find yourself stuck, don’t worry—we have you covered.
Below, you will find helpful hints followed by the full answer key. If you want to avoid spoilers, scroll slowly!
Hints for the NYT Mini Crossword: Saturday, May 2, 2026
If you just need a small nudge to get moving, use these clues and letter hints.
Across Hints
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1 Across: Someone who wants things to be 100% authentic. (Hint: Ends with T)
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7 Across: The company that created ChatGPT. (Hint: Starts with O)
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8 Across: When children are allowed to watch their favorite shows. (Hint: Starts with T)
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9 Across: To be open about one’s identity; not hidden. (Hint: Ends with T)
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10 Across: A classic game featuring falling blocks. (Hint: Starts with T)
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13 Across: A viral dance move often done with the “Whip.” (Hint: Ends with E)
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14 Across: To struggle or scrap with someone. (Hint: Starts with T)
Down Hints
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1 Down: The pile of money or chips in a poker hand. (Hint: Starts with P)
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2 Down: What you give a post on Reddit instead of a “Like.” (Hint: Ends with S)
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3 Down: Documents you send to the IRS. (Hint: Ends with S)
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4 Down: What the “A,” “O,” or “C” stands for in a famous politician’s name. (Hint: Starts with I)
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5 Down: The first name of the CEO of OpenAI. (Hint: Ends with M)
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6 Down: Clothing worn around the neck with a specific knot. (Hint: Ends with E)
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10 Down: A common abbreviation for a powerful explosive. (Hint: Starts with T)
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11 Down: The word for “water” if you are in Paris. (Hint: Ends with U)
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12 Down: To spot or observe something. (Hint: Ends with E)
NYT Mini Crossword Answers: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Ready to see the full grid? Here are the solutions for today’s puzzle.
Across Answers
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1 Across: PURIST
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7 Across: OPENAI
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8 Across: TVTIME
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9 Across: OUT
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10 Across: TETRIS
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13 Across: NAENAE
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14 Across: TUSSLE
Down Answers
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1 Down: POT
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2 Down: UPVOTES
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3 Down: RETURNS
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4 Down: INITIAL
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5 Down: SAM
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6 Down: TIE
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10 Down: TNT
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11 Down: EAU
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12 Down: SEE
