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 Crosswordloves to get smart with its players. Today's puzzle has one clue that requires an answer that's "a little less than 'mega'" and another one that asks for an answer that's "a little more than 'mega.'" 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. 30, 2024. NYT/Screenshot by CNETMini across clues and answers1A clue: Rudely straightforwardAnswer: BLUNT6A clue: Where you might see half-inch ticks?Answer: RULER7A clue: A little less than "mega"Answer: EXTRA8A clue: VerboseAnswer: WORDY9A clue: Unit of sunshineAnswer: RAYMini down clues and answers1D clue: Steeped concoctionAnswer: BREW2D clue: Swanky Vegas hotel resembling an Egyptian pyramidAnswer: LUXOR3D clue: A little more than "mega"Answer: ULTRA4D clue: Quirkily enthusiastic about science, maybeAnswer: NERDY5D clue: Breakfast-in-bed convenienceAnswer: TRAYHow 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.