Mini Crossword

Mini Crossword is a free online mini crossword puzzle you can play instantly in your browser, no download and no account needed. Each level is a small, tightly interlocking grid built around one long vertical word crossed by a short clue at every row, so every square counts and a puzzle only takes a few minutes to finish — closer to a coffee-break NYT-style mini than a sprawling Sunday-size grid. Tap or click any square to select its word, which highlights across the whole grid and in the clue list below, then type letters straight from your keyboard to fill it in; tap the same square again, hit the space bar, or use the arrow keys to switch between the Across and Down word that cross there. Use the compact clue bar to jump forward or back one clue at a time, or tap any clue in the Across or Down list to jump straight to it. Work through 10 hand-built puzzles that grow from a simple 4-letter spine word up to a denser 6-letter grid with a bonus crossing word for extra interlock, with Clear Grid and 3 per-level hints if you get stuck, and unlimited replays once a level unlocks.

How to play Mini Crossword

1. Tap or click any open square to select it — the full word it belongs to highlights across the grid and in the clue list.
2. Type letters on your keyboard (or use your device keyboard on mobile) to fill the highlighted word; typing moves you to the next square automatically.
3. Tap the same square again, press the space bar, or use the arrow keys to switch between the Across word and the Down word that cross at that square.
4. Use the ‹ and › arrows on the clue bar to jump one clue at a time, or tap any clue in the Across or Down list to jump straight to it.
5. Fill every square in the grid with the correct letter to solve the level and unlock the next one.
6. Stuck? Clear Grid wipes your answers to start the puzzle over, and Hint (3 per level) reveals one correct letter — in your current word first, or anywhere still wrong once that word is done.

Tips

• Solve the long vertical word first if you can get even one or two of its crossing Across clues — each correct crossing letter narrows down the rest of that long word fast.
• Short 3-letter clues are usually the quickest way in: common everyday words like numbers, pronouns, and simple nouns show up often, so try your best guess before spending a hint.
• On the levels with a bonus crossing word (look for a third color in the grid), solving two of its crossing Across words first often gives you enough letters to see the bonus word without any hints.
• A hint always targets your currently selected word first, so select the clue you are stuck on before tapping Hint rather than leaving whatever word was last active.

FAQ