Mini Crossword October 19, 2026: Clues & Answers

Mini Crossword hints, one rung at a time

Five rungs, from grid facts to a nudge per clue. The recap above already summed the grid up, so this ladder is here for anyone replaying it fresh rather than as a spoiler shield.

1. 1 Hint 1: Grid facts

   Counted off the grid.

   Grid

   5 × 5

   Clues

   5 across, 5 down

   Answer lengths

   3–5 letters

2. 2 Hint 2: Across clues, with an extra nudge each

   Open only the one you want.

   1 Across — Move through the air, as a smell (4)

   Describes the way a scent travels through the air

   5 Across — "Aladdin" character with the line "Phenomenal cosmic powers! Itty-bitty living space" (5)

   Iconic movie quote about magical abilities

   6 Across — Baltimore N.F.L. player (5)

   Team name for a Maryland-based football team

   7 Across — Wicked (4)

   Describes something malevolent or morally bad

   8 Across — Fuse, as pieces of metal (4)

   Join metal pieces together using heat and pressure

3. 3 Hint 3: Down clues, with an extra nudge each

   Same treatment, the other way.

   1 Down — Use a loom (5)

   Create fabric by interlacing threads on a loom

   2 Down — Metal block falling on Wile E. Coyote's head (5)

   Device often used in cartoon gags for comedic effect

   3 Down — Scientist's area of study (5)

   Area of expertise for a researcher or scientist

   4 Down — Number of clues in this puzzle (3)

   Count of individual questions in this puzzle set

   5 Down — Sprouted (4)

   Describes a plant that has begun to grow

4. 4 Hint 4: First letter of every answer

   One letter each.

   1 Across

   W… (4 letters)

   5 Across

   G… (5 letters)

   6 Across

   R… (5 letters)

   7 Across

   E… (4 letters)

   8 Across

   W… (4 letters)

   1 Down

   W… (5 letters)

   2 Down

   A… (5 letters)

   3 Down

   F… (5 letters)

   4 Down

   T… (3 letters)

   5 Down

   G… (4 letters)

5. 5 Hint 5: Where the grid opened up

   Last rung before the filled answers.

   4 Down was the shortest entry at 3 letters, and every crossing it made handed over a free letter elsewhere.

   Open the answers, clue by clue