If you’re someone who enjoys a good mental challenge, the day isn’t complete until you’ve tackled all the free word games from the New York Times. For many, working on the daily Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands is more than just a pastime—it’s a ritual. And let’s not forget about The Mini Crossword, which has its own loyal following.

While the New York Times is famous for “The Crossword,” a larger puzzle that’s available to paid subscribers, The Mini has carved out its own niche. Unlike some of the other games that reset at midnight, The Mini Crossword resets at 10 p.m. This means that if you’re working on today’s Mini on Sunday, January 4, 2026, and need a little help (which is completely normal), there are hints and answers available for each line.

To avoid spoilers, the clues and solutions are separated into hints first for both “Across” and “Down” words, followed by the actual answers. Be sure to scroll carefully if you want to keep the challenge intact.

Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Sunday, January 4, 2026

Here are additional clues for each of the words in today’s Mini Crossword:

NYT Mini Across Hints

• 1 Across: Ron Swanson’s “number one favorite food” on “Parks and Recreation” —
  
  HINT: Ends with the letter “N”

• 6 Across: It comes in black or green varieties, depending on ripeness—
  
  HINT: Starts with the letter “O”

• 7 Across: Paramour —
  
  HINT: Ends with the letter “R”

• 8 Across: In bronze medal position —
  
  HINT: Starts with the letter “T”

• 9 Across: Feeling resentful, in slang —
  
  HINT: Ends with the letter “Y”

NYT Mini Down Hints

• 1 Down: Streaks of lightning —
  
  HINT: Starts with the letter “B”

• 2 Down: Hawaiian greeting —
  
  HINT: Ends with the letter “A”

• 3 Down: The “C” of A.C.L.U. —
  
  HINT: Starts with the letter “C”

• 4 Down: In the open —
  
  HINT: Ends with the letter “T”

• 5 Down: Knowledgeable, and proud of it —
  
  HINT: Ends with the letter “Y”

Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Sunday, January 4, 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: Ron Swanson’s “number one favorite food” on “Parks and Recreation” —
  
  BACON

• 6 Across: It comes in black or green varieties, depending on ripeness—
  
  OLIVE

• 7 Across: Paramour —
  
  LOVER

• 8 Across: In bronze medal position —
  
  THIRD

• 9 Across: Feeling resentful, in slang —
  
  SALTY

NYT Mini Down Answers

• 1 Down: Streaks of lightning —
  
  BOLTS

• 2 Down: Hawaiian greeting —
  
  ALOHA

• 3 Down: The “C” of A.C.L.U. —
  
  CIVIL

• 4 Down: In the open —
  
  OVERT

• 5 Down: Knowledgeable, and proud of it —
  
  NERDY