The Guardian Quick Crossword is the perfect daily dose of wordplay! Unlike its notoriously difficult Cryptic sibling, the Quick Crossword is definition-based and highly accessible, offering a snappy, satisfying challenge that’s great for a coffee break or a morning commute. We know how addictive this daily puzzle can be, so to help you out (or just confirm your brilliant solves!), here are the answers for today’s Guardian Quick Crossword for January 9, 2026 (Puzzle No. 17,372) .
Today’s Guardian Quick Crossword Answers for January 9, 2026
Let’s dive into the answers for the Guardian Quick Crossword for today.
1 Across: Thrush relative (8) – BLUEBIRD
5 Across: Char (anag) (4) – ARCH
9 Across: Sayonara (5) – ADIEU
10 Across: Have a siesta? (3,4) – LIEDOWN
11 Across: Delicate (approach) (6-6) – SOFTLYSOFTLY
13 Across: Andean garment (6) – PONCHO
14 Across: Slowly (music) (6) – ADAGIO
17 Across: Regeneration in the city (5,7) – URBANRENEWAL
20 Across: From one direction (7) – EASTERN
21 Across: Wedding cake surface? (5) – ICING
22 Across: White – post (4) – PALE
23 Across: Mariner (8) – SEAFARER
1 Down: Imbalanced opinion (4) – BIAS
2 Down: Startup company valued at over US$1 billion (7) – UNICORN
3 Down: Seeker of reward for capturing villain (6,6) – BOUNTYHUNTER
4 Down: Conveys (6) – RELAYS
6 Down: Torso (anag) (5) – ROOST
7 Down: Winnie the Pooh’s jar? (8) – HONEYPOT
8 Down: Inconceivable (6,6) – BEYONDBELIEF
12 Down: Smarten (6,2) – SPRUCEUP
15 Down: Windows fitter (7) – GLAZIER
16 Down: Cruel type (6) – MEANIE
18 Down: Bails (anag) (5) – BASIL
19 Down: Culture medium (4) – AGAR
What do you think of today’s Guardian Quick Crossword puzzle? Were you able to guess all the answers?
This crossword had a calm, classical feel, drawing on nature, travel, music, and familiar expressions to create a smooth and thoughtful solving experience. The Across clues moved from birds and farewells to musical directions, traditional clothing, and urban development, giving the grid a gentle sense of global and cultural variety. Longer entries were built around everyday phrases and descriptive ideas, while shorter answers kept the pace steady with clear, no-nonsense definitions. The Down clues added depth through business terminology, folklore-style roles, household objects, and expressive language, rewarding solvers who enjoy broad, practical knowledge rather than niche trivia. Overall, the puzzle felt well-balanced and satisfying, with a relaxed rhythm that made for an enjoyable solve. I’d rate the difficulty a comfortable 4.5 out of 5.
You can also check out today’s answers for other Crossword puzzles below:
- NYT Mini Crossword Hints and Answers
- Washington Post/LA Times Crossword Hints and Answers
- LA Times Mini Crossword Hints and Answers
- Washington Post Mini Meta Crossword
- Boston Globe Mini Crossword Hints and Answers
- USA Today Crossword Hints and Answers
- The New Yorker Crossword Answers
- The New Yorker Mini Crossword Answers
How to Play The Guardian Quick Crossword
Playing The Guardian Quick Crossword is simple, making it a great daily habit.
- The Goal: Fill in the full 15×15 grid with words that fit the clues, both Across and Down.
- The Clues: Unlike the main Cryptic puzzle, these clues are direct definitions or synonyms of the answer word. The number in parentheses at the end of the clue tells you the exact number of letters in the answer.
- The Grid Size: This is a full-sized crossword, meaning the words are longer than those in the Mini, giving you a substantial but still manageable puzzle.
- Intersections: The key to solving is using the intersecting letters. A letter you fill in for an “Across” word must also be the correct starting or middle letter for a “Down” word, and vice versa. This cross-referencing is your greatest solving tool.
- Daily Refresh: The puzzle refreshes daily on The Guardian’s website, so there’s always a new puzzle waiting.
