**The Mini: A Brief and Enjoyable Experience with the NYT Crossword**
[**The Mini**](https://www.nytimes.com/crosswords/game/mini) presents a condensed format of *The New York Times*’ renowned daily crossword puzzle. In contrast to the full-size crossword, which demands significant time and effort and puts your knowledge and patience to the test, The Mini provides a more relaxed, quicker experience with its distinctive charm.
Comprising only a handful of clues, The Mini has transformed into a daily speed challenge for numerous players. Nonetheless, stumbling upon a challenging clue can interrupt the rhythm and create frustration. If you find yourself at a standstill — similar to experiencing [**Wordle**](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-december-9-2024) or [**Connections**](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-december-9-2024) — rest assured, we’re here to assist you.
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### Clues and Answers for NYT’s The Mini (Monday, December 9, 2024)
#### **Across**
1. **___ on a real story**
**Answer:** *Based*
2. **Martini accessory on a skewer**
**Answer:** *Olive*
3. **”The Departed” co-actor Matt**
**Answer:** *Damon*
4. **Like the atmosphere in a hookah lounge**
**Answer:** *Smoky*
5. **Count of Z tiles in Scrabble**
**Answer:** *One*
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### **Down**
1. **Bodies, informally**
**Answer:** *Bods*
2. **Texas stronghold to “remember”**
**Answer:** *Alamo*
3. **Who occasionally “indicates” to touch your nose while hopping on one foot**
**Answer:** *Simon*
4. **Recall**
**Answer:** *Evoke*
5. **Final word in the tune “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow”**
**Answer:** *Deny*
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Searching for additional puzzles? [**Mashable’s games hub**](https://games.mashable.com/) features Mahjong, Sudoku, free crosswords, and much more.
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### Featured Video: Excelling at Wordle
Interested in Wordle tactics? Watch the featured video below, where *The New York Times’* Head of Games discusses their method for cracking the popular puzzle.
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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-9)
**Missed the Mini from yesterday?** [**Here’s the answer to the puzzle from December 8, 2024.**](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-mini-crossword-answers-hints-december-8-2024)