About these answers
Mini #383's ten answers fill 21 white squares, and every one of them is crossed, so each letter belongs to one Across and one Down answer. The longest answers are USUAL (6-Across), OASIS (2-Down), PRUNE (3-Down) and STAKE (4-Down), at five letters; the shortest are CPU (1-Down) and LSD (7-Down).
The grid uses fourteen different letters. The most common is S, in four squares, and 8 of the 21 squares hold a vowel (A, E, I, O or U). There’s no J, Q, X or Z in it.
The trickier clues, explained
- 1-Down, “Computer's ‘brain,’ for short”: the short form is CPU.
- 7-Down, “Mind-altering drug, in brief”: the short form is LSD.
More for October 18, 2026
Only need a nudge? The hints for October 18, 2026 keep answers hidden and give three hints per clue. You can also play Mini #383 or print it. Neighbouring keys: October 17, 2026.