The Mini Crossword: Thursday, January 1, 2026

A smallish puzzle.

January 1, 2026

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Mollie Cowger is an associate puzzles-and-games editor at The New Yorker. Her crosswords have appeared in USA Today and other outlets.

Video

Social dynamics of the crossworld, a crossword meet-cute, and other ways to puzzle with friends while social distancing.

Crossword

Today’s theme: 2025 in news and politics.

Crossword

Today’s theme: 2025 in sports.

Crossword

Zealous passion: five letters.

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Best Picture winner at the 2025 Oscars: five letters.

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Rice-noodle soup sometimes served with hoisin sauce: three letters.

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Pixar movie whose title robot’s name is an acronym: five letters.

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Martial-arts icon who starred in “Enter the Dragon”: eight letters.

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A beginner-friendly puzzle.

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A moderately challenging puzzle.

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Poet and philosopher dubbed the Sage of Concord: seven letters.

Crossword

A challenging puzzle.