Mini Crossword September 9, 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

   4–5 letters

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

   Open only the one you want.

   1 Across — Gentle, comforting touches (4)

   Soothing gestures often associated with reassurance

   5 Across — Give a call or text, informally (5)

   Informal way to initiate a conversation or make plans

   6 Across — Background actor (5)

   Film or theater role with minimal speaking lines

   7 Across — Avid war advocates (5)

   Political faction known for strong military support

   8 Across — Greek god of love (4)

   Mythological figure associated with romantic love

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

   Same treatment, the other way.

   1 Down — Studio behind "Coco" and "Cars" (5)

   Animation studio behind beloved family films

   2 Down — When some late lunches begin (5)

   Unconventional lunch timing, pushing the usual schedule

   3 Down — ___ and Caicos (5)

   Island territory in the Caribbean, popular tourist destination

   4 Down — Luxury health retreats (4)

   Upscale wellness centers offering various treatments

   5 Down — Snickering laugh (4)

   Amused sound often used in digital communication

4. 4 Hint 4: First letter of every answer

   One letter each.

   1 Across

   P… (4 letters)

   5 Across

   H… (5 letters)

   6 Across

   E… (5 letters)

   7 Across

   H… (5 letters)

   8 Across

   E… (4 letters)

   1 Down

   P… (5 letters)

   2 Down

   A… (5 letters)

   3 Down

   T… (5 letters)

   4 Down

   S… (4 letters)

   5 Down

   H… (4 letters)

5. 5 Hint 5: Where the grid opened up

   Last rung before the filled answers.

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

   Open the answers, clue by clue