Looking forthe most recentMini Crossword answer?Click here for today's Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands and Connections puzzles.The New York TimesMini Crosswordwas pretty easy today. The only one that stumped me was 5 Across, which asked for a word for a "first-string crew," and that only stumped me because it could have many meanings. Hint: Think Mr. T and buddies.Anyway, if you're stuck on any of the clues today, we've got the answers. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times' games collection. If you're looking for today's Wordle, Connections and Strands answers, you can visitCNET's NYT puzzle hints page.Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini CrosswordLet's get at those Mini Crossword clues and answers. The completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for Dec. 29, 2024. NYT/Screenshot by CNETMini across clues and answers1A clue: Getting closer, so to speakAnswer: WARM5A clue: First-string crewAnswer: ATEAM7A clue: ___ journalism, style associated with Hunter S. ThompsonAnswer: GONZO8A clue: Prized "activity" for new parentsAnswer: SLEEP9A clue: Opposite of moreAnswer: LESSMini down clues and answers1D clue: Moves like an excited dog's tailAnswer: WAGS2D clue: Ring-shaped reefAnswer: ATOLL3D clue: Zellweger of "Bridget Jones's Diary"Answer: RENEE4D clue: Puzzles in a children's coloring bookAnswer: MAZES6D clue: Cleans the floorAnswer: MOPSHow to play more Mini CrosswordsThe New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day's Mini Crossword for free, but you'll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.