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LA Times Mini Crossword Clues & Answers

Across

  • The solution is CLAM because a Cherrystone is a type of clam, specifically a smaller variety of hard-shell clam often used in cooking. This clue straightforwardly refers to the category of seafood to which a Cherrystone belongs.

  • The prefix "hemi-" means "half." When combined with "sphere," it forms "hemisphere," referring to half of a spherical object, like Earth's northern or southern half. Hence, HEMI is the correct answer for the clue "Prefix with 'sphere'."

  • In cheese-making, "aging" refers to the process where cheese is stored and matured over time to develop its flavor, texture, and aroma. This crucial step varies by cheese type, making "aging" an essential term directly tied to the process in question.

  • The clue "1492 vessel" refers to one of the three ships used by Christopher Columbus on his first voyage to the Americas in 1492. The Pinta, along with the Niña and the Santa María, was a key vessel in this historic expedition, making "PINTA" the correct answer.

  • The clue "Some Hanukkah gifts" refers to items traditionally given during the holiday. TOYS are a common Hanukkah gift, especially for children, alongside gelt (chocolate coins). The word "some" indicates a subset of potential gifts, making TOYS a fitting and straightforward answer.

Down

  • Fleet Street, a famous location in London, is historically associated with British newspapers and journalism. The term "chap" is British slang for "fellow" or "man," making it a fitting answer to describe a "fellow" on Fleet Street. This is a nod to British vernacular.

  • The clue "Bona fide" means genuine or authentic. "LEGIT" is short for "legitimate," which also means genuine, real, or lawful. They align in meaning, making LEGIT the correct answer here.

  • AMINO is the solution because amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. They are organic compounds that combine to form proteins in living organisms, making them a key component of protein structure. The term "acid" in the clue directly points to amino acids.

  • The clue "Like some toothpastes" refers to a common flavor or characteristic. Many toothpastes are flavored with mint for a fresh taste and breath. The word "minty" directly describes this quality, making it the perfect match for the clue.

  • The answer "GAS" fits because a gas grill is a common type of BBQ grill that uses propane or natural gas as fuel. The clue directly points to different types of BBQ grills, and "gas" is a widely recognized category within this context.

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LA Times Mini Archive

Today’s LA Times Mini Crossword Highlights

Today’s Friday LA Times Mini blends straightforward vocabulary with a few clues that require a touch of trivia or specialized knowledge. Some entries lean on science, literature, or historical references, keeping solvers alert without being overly obscure. The puzzle balances familiar terms with slightly trickier concepts, providing just enough challenge to feel satisfying. A few clues also use wordplay or require thinking about categories in a broader sense, making the solve engaging while still approachable for a quick midweek-style Mini.

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What is the LA Times The Mini Crossword?

The LA Times Mini Crossword is a daily, bite-sized puzzle from the Los Angeles Times. Designed for quick solving, it delivers the fun of a full crossword in a compact format that takes just a few minutes to complete. The puzzle is edited by Elizabeth C. Gorski, a veteran crossword constructor and editor who has also created puzzles for The New York Times and Zynga.

Key Features

  • Daily puzzles: A new mini crossword is released every day.
  • Free to play: No subscription required—accessible directly on the LA Times website.
  • Mobile-friendly: Optimized for quick, on-the-go solving.
  • Puzzle archive: Solvers can access past minis for extra practice.

How It Compares

  • Similar in style and size to the New York Times Mini Crossword, but created separately.
  • Remains free to play, unlike the NYT Mini, which now sits behind a paywall.

Why Play?

The LA Times Mini is perfect for anyone looking for:

  • A fast daily challenge.
  • A fun brain warm-up.
  • Crossword-style gameplay that’s approachable for beginners and still satisfying for seasoned solvers.

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