If you’re anything like me, the day is not complete until I finish all of the free word games from the New York Times. 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 on for Today’s Mini Crossword on Tuesday, March 31, 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, March 31, 2026
Here are additional clues for each of the words in today’s Mini Crossword.
NYT Mini Across Hints
1 Across: “Paradise” or “Lost” — HINT: Ends with the letter “W”
5 Across: Hawaiian island with the famous road to Hana —HINT: Ends with the letter “I”
6 Across: ____Zeneca (pharma company) — HINT: Starts with the letter “A”
8 Across: “Stainless” metal — HINT: Ends with the letter “L”
9 Across: One half of a centaur — HINT: Starts with the letter “H”
Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours
NYT Mini Down Hints
1 Down: Massive success — HINT: Starts with the letter “S”
2 Down: Must — HINT: Ends with the letter “O”
3 Down: ___boroughs (term for the non-Manhattan parts of New York City) — HINT: Starts with the letter “O”
4 Down: Electrician’s specialty — HINT: Starts with the letter “W“
7 Down: Bar beverage — HINT: Ends with the letter “E”
Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Tuesday, March 31, 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: “Paradise” or “Lost” — SHOW
5 Across: Hawaiian island with the famous road to Hana —MAUI
6 Across: ____Zeneca (pharma company) — ASTRA
8 Across: “Stainless” metal — STEEL
9 Across: One half of a centaur — HORSE
NYT Mini Down Answers
1 Down: Massive success — SMASH
2 Down: Must — HASTO
3 Down: ___boroughs (term for the non-Manhattan parts of New York City) — OUTER
4 Down: Electrician’s specialty — WIRES
7 Down: Bar beverage — ALE
Related: KitchenAid’s First Major Mixer Upgrade in 70 Years Receives Mixed Response from Fans: ‘What a Let Down’
This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 31, 2026, where it first appeared in the Life section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
