Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? I thought it was exceptionally tough today, and was convinced 1-Across was “MAD” Max. (Spoiler, it’s not.) I also figured 1-Down was BOOZE, which did not work with 1-Across, and was wrong either way. Read on for all the answers. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
The completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for Jan. 16, 2026.
Mini across clues and answers
1A clue: ___ Max
Answer: HBO
4A clue: Where Marco Polo is played
Answer: POOL
5A clue: Overwhelming amount, metaphorically
Answer: FLOOD
6A clue: Reason for success in games like Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders
Answer: LUCK
7A clue: “That’s just the worst”
Answer: UGH
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: Liquor, informally
Answer: HOOCH
2D clue: Winner of a Booker prize, fittingly
Answer: BOOK
3D clue: Antiquated
Answer: OLD
4D clue: Give a short promotion for
Answer: PLUG
5D clue: Winter malady
Answer: FLU
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