Small salamanders

Published by Naitik Mehta · March 22, 2026

Stuck on the clue Small salamanders from the New York Times Mini for March 22, 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

Small salamanders (5)

Answer

The answer to Small salamanders is Newts (5 letters).

Why does Newts fit this clue?

This is a direct definition clue where 'Small salamanders' points to NEWTS. Newts are a type of small amphibian in the salamander family, typically measuring just a few inches long. They are semi-aquatic creatures that spend part of their life cycle in water and part on land. The clue works because newts are indeed among the smaller members of the salamander group, distinguishing them from larger species that can grow over a foot long.

What does Small salamanders mean?

We break down each word in the clue and show its dictionary definition below.

salamanders

noun

•amphibians with moist skin that can regenerate lost limbs, resembling lizards but typically living in damp environments

Where did this clue appear?

This clue appeared as 5-down in the New York Times Mini on March 22, 2026, by Joel Fagliano. See all answers for this puzzle.

NYT Mini — Mar 22, 2026

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What does Newts mean?

noun

•A small lizard-like amphibian in the family Salamandridae that lives in the water as an adult.

Origin of the word Newts

•origin: Middle English 'newte' from 'an ewte' (reanalysis of 'a newt' from 'an ewt')

•period: 14th century

The word 'newt' resulted from the incorrect division of 'an ewte' where the 'n' from 'an' was mistakenly attached to 'ewte' to create 'newte,' similar to how 'an apron' came from 'a napron.'

How to use Newts in a sentence

Here are 3 examples of how to use the word Newts.

•“The pond was teeming with newts, these small salamanders easily identified by their smooth, moist skin and long tails.”

•“During our nature walk, we spotted several bright orange newts hiding under fallen logs near the creek.”

•“The biology class studied the life cycle of newts, observing how they transform from aquatic larvae to terrestrial adults and back to water for breeding.”

Learn about related clues

All clues from the New York Times Mini, Mar 22, 2026 crossword

The New York Times Mini for March 22, 2026 was published by Joel Fagliano and has 10 clues. Curious about all the answers from this crossword puzzle? View all answers here.

Across

1AJost of "Saturday Night Live" (5)6AGerman wine valley whose name rhymes with "wine" (5)7ABig name in root beer (5)8ACommon slot machine symbol (5)9AJames Talarico's state (5)

Down

1DCunning skill (5)2DChicago airport (5)3DOperating system on which Android is partly based (5)4DWorld's most populous country (5)5DSmall salamanders (5)

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Frequently asked questions about Small salamanders

What is the answer to Small salamanders?: The answer is Newts (5 letters).
Where did this clue appear?: This clue was last seen in the New York Times Mini on March 22, 2026.
How many letters does the answer to Small salamanders have?: The answer has 5 letters: Newts.

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.