Table of Contents

• Overview and Quick Facts
• Puzzle Breakdown and Strategy
• Complete Clues and Answers
• Frequently Asked Questions

Overview and Quick Facts

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for Monday, October 26, 2026, presents a 5×6 grid crafted by editor Joel Fagliano. The slightly wider layout gives solvers extra room for six-letter entries across the top four rows, making for a smooth start to the workweek.

Quick Puzzle Breakdown (No Spoilers)

• Puzzle Author: Joel Fagliano
• Grid Dimensions: 5 rows by 6 columns
• Total Clues: 11 clues (5 Across, 6 Down)

Puzzle Breakdown and Strategy

Grid Layout and Entry Flow

The grid features four six-letter words stack-aligned across the top (1A, 7A, 8A, 9A) before tapering into a shorter four-letter word at the bottom right (10A). Because the down clues stretch four to five letters vertically across these entries, securing a few key down answers like the moving van company or the martial arts movie star helps unlock the top section quickly.

Tricky Clues to Watch For

Santa’s laugh (7A) requires writing out the six-letter vocalization without spaces. Meanwhile, the college sports battle cry (6D) relies on familiarity with the University of Texas mascot slogan. If you know Notre-Dame or action star Jackie early on, the across words fall into place rapidly.

Complete Clues and Answers

Here is the complete breakdown of every clue and solution featured in today’s puzzle.

Across Clues

• 1A: Sound of fall leaves underfoot — CRUNCH (A fitting sound description for late October).
• 7A: Santa’s laugh — HOHOHO (Spelled out continuously as six letters).
• 8A: Hit film franchise with blue-skinned aliens known as Na’vi — AVATAR (Refers to James Cameron’s blockbuster series).
• 9A: Brain nerve cell — NEURON (Standard biological term for a nerve cell).
• 10A: “Say ___!” (“Alright, I get it”) — LESS (Modern slang phrase meaning ‘say no more’).

Down Clues

• 1D: Action star Jackie — CHAN (Legendary martial artist and actor).
• 2D: Wander this way and that — ROVE (Verb meaning to travel or roam without a fixed destination).
• 3D: Big name in moving vans — UHAUL (Ubiquitous equipment rental company).
• 4D: ___-Dame Cathedral — NOTRE (Famous landmark in Paris, translating to ‘Our Lady’).
• 5D: Complete pandemonium — CHAOS (State of utter confusion).
• 6D: “Hook ’em ___” (battle cry of the University of Texas) — HORNS (Refers to the Longhorns mascot).

Frequently Asked Questions

• What was the grid size of the October 26, 2026 NYT Mini Crossword? The puzzle used a 5×6 rectangular grid layout instead of the traditional 5×5 square.
• Who edited today’s NYT Mini Crossword puzzle? Today’s puzzle was constructed and edited by Joel Fagliano.

Final Thoughts

As the WordFinder Tips team noted, today’s puzzle combined seasonal imagery like autumnal leaf steps with modern pop culture references, offering a straightforward yet satisfying Monday solve.