Welcome to The Mini Hints. If you’re like most word game fans, your daily routine isn’t complete without the New York Times lineup. Whether it’s Wordle, Connections, or Strands, these games are a must-play.
While the full NYT Crossword is a classic, the “Mini” has its own huge fan base. Just a reminder: The Mini resets every night at 10 p.m. ET.
If you are stuck on the puzzle for Tuesday, May 12, 2026, we have you covered. Below, you will find hints for every clue, followed by the full answer key at the bottom.
Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword: Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Here are some extra tips to help you solve today’s grid without giving the answers away just yet.
Across Hints
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1 Across: German for “Mrs.” — HINT: Ends with the letter “U”
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5 Across: Small stall at a mall — HINT: Starts with the letter “K”
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6 Across: Bring to mind — HINT: Starts with the letter “E”
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7 Across: Surprised exclamations upon seeing mice — HINT: Ends with the letter “S”
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8 Across: Dramatic end to a World Cup game, for short — HINT: Starts with the letter “P”
Down Hints
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1 Down: Race that equates to 3.1 miles … or a hint to one letter’s frequent appearance in this grid? — HINT: Starts with the letter “F”
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2 Down: Chess “castles” — HINT: Ends with the letter “S”
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3 Down: Poses a question to — HINT: Ends with the letter “S” (Note: Original text used “A”, but the answer is ASKS)
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4 Down: Hawaiian stringed instrument, informally — HINT: Starts with the letter “U”
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5 Down: Not go bad — HINT: Ends with the letter “P”
Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword: Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Stop scrolling here if you aren’t ready to see the solutions! Here is the completed grid for today.
Across Answers
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1 Across: German for “Mrs.” — FRAU
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5 Across: Small stall at a mall — KIOSK
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6 Across: Bring to mind — EVOKE
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7 Across: Surprised exclamations upon seeing mice — EEKS
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8 Across: Dramatic end to a World Cup game, for short — PKS
Down Answers
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1 Down: Race that equates to 3.1 miles … or a hint to one letter’s frequent appearance in this grid? — FIVE K
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2 Down: Chess “castles” — ROOKS
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3 Down: Poses a question to — ASKS
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4 Down: Hawaiian stringed instrument, informally — UKE
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5 Down: Not go bad — KEEP
