5 FiveLetterWords

NYT Mini Crossword helper

Use crossing letters to narrow possible Mini answers.

Your puzzle

One row per line. A dot is unknown; # is a block. Put known multiple-letter cells in braces, such as {HEART}.

One line per entry: 1A: CAT, CAR. Separate possible answers with commas. Entries use normal crossword numbering. Without a list, the local dictionary supplies that entry.

Dictionary and candidate scope

The local dictionary is independent of the publisher's accepted list. Names, phrases and short words may need a list you enter.

Used only when Words I enter is selected. Separate 1–48-letter words with spaces or new lines; up to 2,000 words.

The example illustrates the helper; it is not a publisher's daily puzzle.

A little help

Enter your puzzle or try the original example. You choose when to open candidates, explanations and complete results.

How the NYT Mini Crossword helper works

Enter the grid and any answers you are considering. The helper checks every shared letter, identifies incompatible entries and explains which remaining letters agree across all completions.

Results use the puzzle you enter; they are not verified daily answers. Your entries stay out of public URLs.

Use a clue before adding a candidate

The three-letter pattern C.. matches many words. If your clue suggests a pet, CAT is a plausible candidate; CAR has the same first two letters but needs a different crossing at the end. Enter both until a crossing settles it.

Why one matching fill may still be wrong

A crossword grid checks spelling relationships. It cannot establish that a clue means a particular word. Read every clue against the suggested fill, especially abbreviations and names omitted from a general dictionary.

Supported puzzle types

Scope of this helper

Play the original at The New York Times. This is an unofficial helper with no publisher affiliation.

Rules and reference sources

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