Solve the NYT Mini Crossword: Clues and Answers for June 3, 2025

Overview of the NYT Mini Crossword

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. It is a condensed version of the traditional crossword featured in The New York Times, which is published in over 300 newspapers and online. The difficulty level of the puzzles escalates throughout the week, with Mondays being the easiest and Saturdays the most challenging. The Sunday Crossword, a larger version, is a staple in American culture and appears in the New York Times Magazine.

What Is the NYT Mini Crossword?

The NYT Mini Crossword is an engaging daily puzzle that is smaller than the standard NYT Crossword. Accessible to anyone with a New York Times account, it typically features three to five clues in each direction on a 5×5 grid, although larger 7×7 grids may appear on Saturdays. Compared to the traditional crossword, the Mini is designed to be more approachable.

Unlike its larger counterpart, the Mini Crossword can be played for free on the New York Times website or through the NYT Games app. However, accessing older puzzles requires a subscription to NYT Games.

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 for key clues to help solve other words.


• If you're uncertain about an answer, don't hesitate to make a guess; you can always change it later if needed.


• 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.

NYT Mini Crossword Answers and Clues for June 3, 2025

If you're struggling with some of the tricky clues, here are the solutions:

ACROSS Answers

• 1 Across: One of three primary ingredients in sponge cake – EGGS


• 5 Across: Sponge cake ingredient #2 – FLOUR


• 7 Across: Lower body exercise with one foot stretched forward and one back – LUNGE


• 8 Across: First-stringers – A-TEAM


• 9 Across: Towel cloth material – TERRY

DOWN Answers

• 1 Down: Key just above D – E FLAT


• 2 Down: Butt muscle, informally – GLUTE


• 3 Down: One who’s completely toast – GONER


• 4 Down: Sponge cake ingredient #3 – SUGAR


• 6 Down: ___ Martin (brand of cognac) – REMY

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 crossword daunting.

Available for free on the NYT website and mobile app, the Mini Crossword has benefited from careful editing over the years. Various freelance creators have contributed to its development, with Joel Fagliano serving as the editor since its inception.