**The Mini: A Swift Challenge for Crossword Enthusiasts**

[**The Mini**](https://www.nytimes.com/crosswords/game/mini) presents a smaller-scale version of *The New York Times*’ renowned daily crossword. While the complete crossword requires a blend of expertise and endurance to master, The Mini provides a more casual, quicker challenge.

With only a handful of clues to decipher, The Mini has garnered popularity among players eager to gauge their rapidity and cleverness. Yet, stumbling upon a difficult clue can break the rhythm and cause annoyance. If you ever feel bogged down — similar to when playing [**Wordle**](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-december-5-2024) or [**Connections**](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-december-5-2024) — don’t fret, we’re here to assist.

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### Clues and Solutions for NYT’s The Mini (Sunday, December 8, 2024)

#### **Across**
– **Watering can feature**: **Spout**
– **”A Bar Song (___)” (2024 #1 hit by Shaboozey)**: **Tipsy**
– **Deplete, as a resource**: **Use up**
– **Handrail in a ballet studio**: **Barre**
– **Fasteners that click**: **Snap**

[**SEE ALSO**](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-sports-edition-hint-answer-today-december-8): Hints and answers for NYT Connections Sports Edition on December 8.

#### **Down**
– **Incomplete Wikipedia entries**: **Stubs**
– **Italian resident near the Leaning Tower**: **Pisan**
– **Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,” for one**: **Opera**
– **Seize by force**: **Usurp**
– **Uses a keyboard**: **Types**

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In search of additional puzzles? [**Mashable’s games hub**](https://games.mashable.com/) has a variety of options including Mahjong, Sudoku, free crosswords, and beyond!

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### Featured Video: Puzzle Strategies from the Professionals
Watch the techniques utilized by *The New York Times*’ Head of Games to excel in Wordle.

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**Are you also engaging with NYT Strands?** [**Discover today’s hints and solutions here.**](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-december-6)

**Missed a day?** [**Here’s how to solve yesterday’s Mini Crossword.**](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-mini-crossword-answers-hints-december-7-2024)