Skip to main content
Mini #316 · Wednesday

Our Mini Crossword Answers — August 12, 2026

The complete answer key for Mini #316, our own daily mini crossword. Looking for the New York Times Mini? That’s a different puzzle, published on nytimes.com.

All answers
10 answers
August 12, 2026

Answer key

Across

1. Chimp or gorilla

4. Color between black and white

5. Overused, like a cliché

6. Peck on the cheek

7. The loneliest number, in a song

Down

1. Get up out of bed

2. Gentle taps on the back

3. Organ you see with

4. Big cheesy smile

5. Boxing win when a fighter can't continue, for short

Before you peek

Want a smaller push? The hint page keeps answers hidden and reveals clue support gradually.

Open hints
Notes on these answers (spoilers)

About these answers

Mini #316's ten answers fill 19 white squares, and every one of them is crossed, so each letter belongs to one Across and one Down answer. The longest answers are TRITE (5-Across) and ARISE (1-Down), at five letters; the shortest are APE (1-Across), ONE (7-Across), EYE (3-Down) and TKO (5-Down).

The grid uses twelve different letters. The most common is E, in three squares, and 8 of the 19 squares hold a vowel (A, E, I, O or U). There’s no J, Q, X or Z in it.

The trickier clues, explained

  • 5-Down, “Boxing win when a fighter can't continue, for short”: the short form is TKO.

More for August 12, 2026

Only need a nudge? The hints for August 12, 2026 keep answers hidden and give three hints per clue. You can also play Mini #316 or print it. Neighbouring keys: August 11, 2026 and August 13, 2026.

Every answer above is for our own original daily mini crossword — an independent puzzle, not the New York Times Mini. Play the puzzle these answers belong to.

Mini Crossword answers FAQ

What are the Mini Crossword answers for August 12, 2026?
Every across and down answer for the August 12, 2026 puzzle is in the key above — reveal them one at a time or all at once.
Is this the NYT Mini answer key?
No. This is the answer key for our own original daily Mini Crossword. It is not affiliated with, authorized by, sponsored by, or endorsed by The New York Times.
Can I solve the August 12, 2026 puzzle before seeing answers?
Yes — play it first, or use the step-by-step hint page for this date if you only need a push.