NYT Mini Crossword · Answers

NYT Mini Crossword answers for Thursday, October 8, 2026

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

A Thursday 5x5 by Joel Fagliano: a bar tucked into the top corner, a tennis serve and a plain bagel through the middle, and a spam call among the Down answers, next to the brain it is supposedly inside. Tap a clue to show just that answer.

Across

1. Old-fashioned business?
BAR
4. Start of a tennis point
SERVE
6. Basic bagel variety
PLAIN
7. Like the most famous Hollywood celebrities
ALIST
8. "Hoo-boy!"
MAN

Down

1. It's in your head
BRAIN
2. Car rental option
AVIS
3. Monthly expense
RENT
4. Many a call from an unknown number
SPAM
5. ___ Langley, singer with the 2026 #1 hit "Choosin' Texas"
ELLA

Full grid

Every answer, in grid order.

Across: BAR · SERVE · PLAIN · ALIST · MAN
Down: BRAIN · AVIS · RENT · SPAM · ELLA

Next on the board

Spelling Bee →

Center letter N, two pangrams, 60 words to find.