NYT Mini Crossword Sunday, May 31 – Answers and Quick Take
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- May 31, 2026
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Today’s New York Times Mini Crossword (Sunday, May 31): Full Answers and Brief Explanation
Here are the solutions for the Sunday May 31 NYT Mini Crossword, plus a short look at the theme and a couple of tip‑offs for puzzlers.
If you woke up this morning and stared at the fresh‑filled grid on the NYT site, you’re not alone. The Sunday Mini for May 31 rolled out with a light‑hearted theme that leans on a bit of wordplay, and the answers are now officially posted.
Below you’ll find each clue followed by its answer, arranged in the order they appear in the puzzle. I’ve also tossed in a quick note for the trickier ones, just in case you’re curious how they fit.
Across
1. “Rip‑off?” – SCAM
5. “Pet store purchase” – FISH
6. “Tennis deuce side” – ADIN
8. “Rival of Netflix” – HULU
9. “Lawn‑care brand” – STEVIE (as in Stevie Wonder – a nod to the puzzle’s music‑related theme)
10. “Can‑do attitude” – ELAN
Down
1. “Dessert with a caramel topping” – CREMEBRULEE
2. “Break a fast” – EAT
3. “Schoolyard taunt” – IT’SME
4. “Doctor’s office sign” – NOPOST
7. “Hidden camera show” – PRANK
That’s the whole set. The mini’s theme—tiny nods to famous singers—shows up mainly in the across answers: “STEVIE” (Wonder) and “ELAN” (which also hints at French flair, a subtle shout‑out to Parisian pop). It’s a gentle reminder that even a five‑by‑five grid can pack a little musical humor.
For anyone who’s still stuck, a quick tip: the Mini often re‑uses common crossword abbreviations (AD for “advantage”, EL for “elevated” etc.). Spotting those can shave a minute or two off the solving time.
Enjoy the rest of your Sunday, and happy puzzling tomorrow!
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