NYT Mini Crossword Solutions and Clues for May 21, 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. It is a condensed version of the classic crossword found in The New York Times, which is published in over 300 newspapers and online. The NYT Crossword is a prominent American-style puzzle that appears daily, with difficulty levels increasing from Monday to Saturday. The Sunday Crossword, a larger version, is featured 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 the traditional version. Accessible to anyone with a New York Times account, this puzzle, created 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.
Unlike the full-sized 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 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 for May 15, 2025
Still struggling with some tricky words? Here are the solutions for the NYT Crossword:
ACROSS Answers
- 1) Either role played by Michael B. Jordan in 2025’s “Sinners” – TWIN
- 5) “Wow, wow, wow!” – OHMY
- 6) “Gr-” word that follows “green” – GRAPE
- 7) Bit of land in the ocean – ISLE
- 8) Père ___, name for Santa Claus in France – NOEL
DOWN Answers
- 1) Trunk of the body – TORSO
- 2) “Wh-” word that follows “white” – WHITE
- 3) Urge forward – IMPEL
- 4) Bill ___ the Science Guy – NYE
- 6) Alcohol paired with tonic – GIN
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, particularly those who found the full-size puzzle daunting.
Available for free on the NYT website and mobile app, the Mini Crossword has benefited from high-quality editing over the years. Numerous freelance creators have contributed to its development, with Joel Fagliano serving as the editor since its inception.