Our Mini Crossword Hints: November 2, 2026

Across

1 Across: First, second or third, in baseballHint

Hint 1: This is about the game of baseball and its diamond-shaped field.
Hint 2: Think of the four corners a runner touches, like home, first, second, and third.
Hint 3: It's a point a runner must touch safely; starts with B.

5 Across: The Cat, famous cartoon felineHint

Hint 1: This clue points to a classic animated character known for his wide grin.
Hint 2: He's a black cartoon cat with a swinging tail, famous from old cartoons and plush toys.
Hint 3: A grinning cartoon feline icon; starts with F.

6 Across: The very best of the bestHint

Hint 1: Think about describing a group that stands above all others in quality.
Hint 2: This word is often used for exclusive clubs or top-tier athletes.
Hint 3: It means top-tier or best of the best; starts with E.

7 Across: Santa's little helpersHint

Hint 1: This clue is about mythical helpers tied to a winter holiday.
Hint 2: They work in Santa's workshop making toys.
Hint 3: Small magical beings who assist Santa; starts with E.

8 Across: Colors fabric, as with a kitHint

Hint 1: This is about changing the color of cloth.
Hint 2: Think of what you'd do to a plain white shirt to make it a new color.
Hint 3: It means to add color to fabric; starts with D.

Down

1 Down: Stomach, informallyHint

Hint 1: This is a casual word for part of your body.
Hint 2: It's where you might feel butterflies or hunger pangs.
Hint 3: A casual term for your abdomen; starts with B.

2 Down: Not deadHint

Hint 1: This describes the opposite of deceased.
Hint 2: Think of how you'd describe someone who is still living and breathing.
Hint 3: It means still living; starts with A.

3 Down: Construction locationsHint

Hint 1: This is about places where buildings are being built.
Hint 2: Think of areas with cranes, scaffolding, and hard hats.
Hint 3: Locations where construction work happens; starts with S.

4 Down: Former partnersHint

Hint 1: This clue is about past romantic relationships.
Hint 2: Think of what you'd call people you used to date.
Hint 3: A casual term for former romantic partners; starts with E.

5 Down: Give food toHint

Hint 1: This is about caring for someone's hunger.
Hint 2: Think of what you do at mealtime for a pet or baby.
Hint 3: It means to provide nourishment; starts with F.

Before you open a hint

Mini #398 has ten clues, so this page holds 30 hints. Hint 1 points you at the idea, hint 2 narrows it down, and hint 3 all but gives it away. On this date, all ten third hints name the answer's first letter.

Short answers have the fewest possible fills, so they make a good start. The four-letter slots are 1-Across, 8-Across, 4-Down and 5-Down; the five-letter slots are 5-Across, 6-Across, 7-Across, 1-Down, 2-Down and 3-Down.

Clues to try first

Some clues lean on a name or title, such as 5-Across, “The Cat, famous cartoon feline”; if one is unfamiliar, work its crossing answers first.

More for November 2, 2026

Rather see the grid first? Play Mini #398. When you're done, the answer key reveals one answer at a time, and the printable copy is there for paper solvers. The day before, Mini #397 (November 1, 2026), opens with 1-Across, “Resident of Dubai or Riyadh”; the day after, Mini #399 (November 3, 2026), opens with 1-Across, “Winter jacket”.

November 2, 2026 Mini Crossword hints FAQ

Are these hints for the November 2, 2026 Mini Crossword?

Yes. Every clue on this page is from our own November 2, 2026 puzzle, with three hints each, from a gentle nudge to a strong push. The answers themselves are on the answer key page.

Is this the NYT Mini hints page?

No. This is an independent daily mini crossword. It is not affiliated with, authorized by, sponsored by, or endorsed by The New York Times.

What is the difference between hints and the answer key?

Hints move you toward the answer one step at a time so you can still solve it yourself. If you want to see a solution outright, the answer key at /answers/2026-11-02 reveals one answer at a time.