Cut finely
Published by Naitik Mehta · March 29, 2026
Stuck on the clue Cut finely from the New York Times Daily for March 29, 2026? We have the correct 5-letter answer, including the definition, alternative hints, as well as other answers from the same crossword. Ready to learn more about this clue?
Clue
Cut finely (5)
Answer
The answer to Cut finely is Mince (5 letters).
Why does Mince fit this clue?
This is a direct definition clue where 'Cut finely' points to MINCE, a cooking term meaning to chop food into very small pieces. To mince is to cut ingredients like garlic, herbs, or onions into tiny, uniform bits using a sharp knife or food processor. The technique creates pieces much smaller than dicing or chopping, typically less than an eighth of an inch. Mincing releases more flavor and aroma from ingredients because it breaks down more cell walls, making it essential for dishes where you want the ingredient to distribute evenly without large chunks.
What does Cut finely mean?
We break down each word in the clue and show its dictionary definitions below.
cut
verb
•to divide or separate with a sharp tool
finely
adverb
•into very small pieces or thin slices
Where did this clue appear?
This clue appeared as 99-across in the New York Times Daily on March 29, 2026, by Michael and Oliver Schlossberg, edited by Will Shortz. See all answers for this puzzle.
Read the NYT Wordplay column for this puzzle.
NYT Daily — Mar 29, 2026
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What does Mince mean?
noun
•Finely chopped meat.
•Finely chopped mixed fruit used in Christmas pies; mincemeat.
verb
•To make less; make small.
•To lessen; diminish; to diminish in speaking; speak of lightly or slightingly; minimise.
Origin of the word Mince
•origin: Old French 'mincier'
•period: 14th century
The word originally meant 'to make small' and comes from the Latin 'minutia' meaning smallness, which is why we use 'mince' for both finely chopped food and taking small, delicate steps.
How to use Mince in a sentence
Here are 3 examples of how to use the word Mince.
•“The recipe calls for you to mince the garlic cloves before adding them to the sauce.”
•“She used a sharp knife to mince the fresh herbs into tiny pieces.”
•“After browning the beef, add the minced onions to the pan and cook until translucent.”
Learn about related clues
All clues from the New York Times Daily, Mar 29, 2026 crossword
The New York Times Daily for March 29, 2026 titled “Roundabouts” was published by Michael and Oliver Schlossberg and has 140 clues. Curious about all the answers from this crossword puzzle? View all answers here.
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Frequently asked questions about Cut finely
- What is the answer to Cut finely?
- The answer is Mince (5 letters).
- Where did this clue appear?
- This clue was last seen in the New York Times Daily on March 29, 2026.
- How many letters does the answer to Cut finely have?
- The answer has 5 letters: Mince.
Author
Naitik Mehta
Co-founder
Naitik is a gaming enthusiast who loves solving daily word games and enjoys the friendly competition from time to time. He is the co-founder of Crossword Chef and enjoys thinking about how to make crossword solving more fun for everyone around the world.
Puzzle
NYT Daily — Mar 29, 2026
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provider
editor
Will Shortz
date
position
99 Across
answer length
5 letters