NYT Mini Crossword Solutions and Clues for May 24, 2025

Introduction to NYT Mini Crossword

Can you complete the NYT Mini Crossword in less than a minute? This article presents today's clues to challenge your skills! The NYT Mini is a favorite among puzzle enthusiasts. It serves as a compact version of the classic crossword puzzle featured in The New York Times, which is published in over 300 newspapers and is also available online. This American-style puzzle is released daily, with its difficulty level increasing throughout the week—Mondays being the easiest and Saturdays the most challenging. The Sunday Crossword, a larger version, is highlighted 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 a smaller variant of the traditional NYT Crossword. 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 5×5 grid, although larger 7×7 grids may appear on Saturdays. Compared to the standard daily puzzle, the Mini is designed to be simpler.

Accessing the Mini Crossword

Unlike the larger NYT Crossword, the Mini can be played for free on the New York Times website or through the NYT Games app. However, to access previous puzzle archives, a subscription to NYT Games is necessary.

Solving Tips for 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 assist in solving other words.
• If uncertain about an answer, feel free to make a guess; it can be adjusted 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 consulting hints, attempt to solve the puzzle independently.

NYT Mini Crossword Answers and Clues for May 24, 2025

Still struggling with some tricky words? Don't worry! Here are the solutions for today's NYT Mini Crossword:

ACROSS Answers

• 1) "Get a load of ___!" – THIS
  5) Ability to maintain balance on a ship – SEALEGS
  8) Military shirt? – TANKTOP
  9) Chicago trains – ELS
  
  10) Wand-waving organization – TSA
  11) Flowers shown in classical Chinese art – PEONIES
  
  13) By oneself – ALONE
  14) Phileas ___, protagonist of "Around the World in Eighty Days" – FOGG

DOWN Answers

• 1) Something "read" in the divination method of tasseography – TEALEAF
  2) Sci-fi hero known for the line "Never tell me the odds" – HANSOLO
  3) Kind – ILK
  4) Where a story unfolds – SETTING
  5) Lather, rinse or repeat – STEP
  6) "Take a look for yourself!" – GOSEE
  7) Places for pampering – SPAS
  12) Egg-based holiday drink – NOG

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 lovers. 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 maintained through careful editing over the years. Joel Fagliano has been the editor of the Mini Crossword since its inception, with contributions from various freelance creators.