NYT Mini Crossword Solutions and Clues for May 20, 2025
Explore Today's NYT Mini Crossword Clues
Can you complete the NYT Mini Crossword in under a minute? This article presents today's clues to challenge your skills! The NYT Mini is a beloved puzzle, known for its quick format. As a condensed version of the classic crossword, it is featured in over 300 newspapers and is also available online. The NYT Crossword is a prominent American-style puzzle that appears daily in The New York Times, with difficulty levels that ramp up throughout the week, starting easy on Mondays and becoming more challenging by Saturdays. The larger Sunday Crossword is a staple in the New York Times Magazine and holds a significant place in American culture.
Understanding the NYT Mini Crossword
The NYT Mini Crossword is an enjoyable daily puzzle that is smaller than its traditional counterpart. Accessible to anyone with a New York Times account, this puzzle, crafted by Joel Fagliano, typically features three to five clues in each direction on a 5x5 grid, although larger 7x7 grids may appear on Saturdays. Compared to the standard daily puzzle, the Mini is designed to be simpler.
Accessing the Mini Crossword
Unlike the full-size NYT Crossword, the Mini can be played for free on the New York Times website or through the NYT Games app. However, a subscription is required to access older puzzle archives.
Tips for Solving the Mini Crossword
- Begin with straightforward clues to establish a base of letters and words. Focus on hints that have short answers or are based on common knowledge.
- Pay attention to intersecting letters as you fill in answers, as they can help solve other words.
- If you're uncertain about an answer, don't hesitate to make a guess; you can always change it later.
- Try rearranging letters to form words, concentrating on common crossword answers and patterns.
- Common answers often relate to history, geography, and pop culture.
- Before checking hints, attempt to solve the puzzle independently.
Today's NYT Mini Crossword Answers and Clues
Still struggling with some tricky words? Here are the solutions for today's NYT Mini Crossword:
ACROSS Answers
- 1) "Pink ___ Club" (Chappell Roan hit) – PONY
5) Instrument that might be made with a comb and wax paper – KAZOO
6) How bedtime stories are often read – ALOUD
7) On edge – NOUSE
8) Short Instagram video – REEL
DOWN Answers
- 1) Less colorful – PALER
2) Layer of the upper atmosphere – OZONE
3) Totally pointless – NOUSE
4) Hit a high note in a high place, perhaps – YODEL
5) Kit ___ bar – KAT
The History of the Mini Crossword
The NYT Mini Crossword was launched on August 21, 2014, to provide a quicker and more accessible daily challenge for puzzle enthusiasts. It was designed to attract a broader audience, especially those who found the full-size puzzle daunting. The NYT website and mobile app offer the Mini daily for free, and the quality of the puzzle has been enhanced over the years through careful editing. Joel Fagliano has been the editor of the Mini Crossword since its inception, with contributions from various freelance creators.