NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for December 21, 2024

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Saturday, December 21, 2024:

Across

Zap with a beam of light

• The answer is Lase.

___ solstice, the shortest day of the year

• The answer is Winter.

100 years

• The answer is Century.

100 years, for Jimmy Carter

• The answer is Age.

Roll with it!

• The answer is Die.

Sports newbies

• The answer is Rookies.

Like each day relative to the day before it, for the next six months

• The answer is Longer.

Eugene V. ___, five-time presidential candidate for the Socialist Party of America

• The answer is Debs.

Down

First blank on a form, maybe

• The answer is Line one.

Unwanted crawler on a kitchen counter

• The answer is Ant.

Prepares for a test

• The answer is Studies.

More spooky

• The answer is Eerier.

"Everything cool between us?"

• The answer is We good.

Some loaves of bread … or a homophone for what they do in the oven

• The answer is Ryes.

Astronomer Sagan whose papers are archived in the Library of Congress

• The answer is Carl.

Spy org. in "Bridge of Spies"

• The answer is KGB.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Mini Crossword.