Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Dec. 18

Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands and Connections puzzles.

So, I swear I would’ve solved today’s Mini Crossword faster, but I have old eyes, and I read the 6 Across clue, “Irk,” as “INK.” Over and over, I was puzzled as to what five-letter word could refer to “ink.” I was possibly thrown off by a nearby answer that actually did contain the word “ink.” But eventually, I squinted and saw that it was “IRK,” and uh, yeah, now I feel, well, IRKED. If you’re stuck on any of the Mini Crossword clues today, for whatever reason, we’ve got the answers. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.

The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.

Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword

Let’s get at those Mini Crossword clues and answers.

Mini across clues and answers

1A clue: Only instrument in a typical orchestra that reads the alto clef
Answer: VIOLA

6A clue: Irk
Answer: ANNOY

7A clue: Kind of cold brew coffee with foamy bubbles
Answer: NITRO

8A clue: Affirmative head gesture
Answer: NOD

9A clue: One of 88 on a piano
Answer: KEY

Mini down clues and answers

1D clue: Vehicle with a sliding door
Answer: VAN

2D clue: With a pen, as one’s signature
Answer: ININK

3D clue: How a ballerina often dances
Answer: ONTOE

4D clue: “___, ___, look who’s 40!” (rhyming line on a birthday card)
Answer: LORDY

5D clue: __ Edebiri, Emmy-winning actress on “The Bear”
Answer: AYO

How to play more Mini Crosswords

The New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day’s Mini Crossword for free, but you’ll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.