Wednesday, September 23, 2026 · Your daily stash of puzzle hints. Answers stay hidden until you ask for them.

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NYT Mini Crossword · Answers

NYT Mini Crossword answers for Wednesday, September 23, 2026

5x5 grid · Show any single answer, or the full grid at the bottom

A Wednesday 5x5 by Sam Ezersky: OOPS opens the Across clues and OKAY runs down the first column. Tap a clue to show just that answer.

Across

1. "Sorry about that!"
OOPS
5. Not-so-tacky clothing material that rhymes with "tacky"
KHAKI
7. Paula who judged on "American Idol"
ABDUL
8. "___ never believe this …"
YOULL
9. Long-haired Himalayan animals
YAKS

Down

1. Just fine
OKAY
2. "Well, this oughta be good!"
OHBOY
3. Italian city where "The Taming of the Shrew" is set
PADUA
4. Walk around stealthily
SKULK
6. Society's woes
ILLS

Full grid

Every answer, in grid order.

Across: OOPS · KHAKI · ABDUL · YOULL · YAKS
Down: OKAY · OHBOY · PADUA · SKULK · ILLS

Next on the board

Spelling Bee →

Center letter I, one pangram, 41 words to find.