Overview of 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, offering a quick version of the classic crossword found in The New York Times. This puzzle is featured in over 300 newspapers and is also available online, making it a well-known American-style crossword that is published daily. The difficulty level varies throughout the week, starting with easier puzzles on Mondays and progressing to more challenging ones by Saturday. The larger Sunday Crossword is a staple in the New York Times Magazine and holds a significant place in American culture.


What Is the NYT Mini Crossword?

The NYT Mini Crossword is an engaging daily puzzle that serves as a smaller alternative to 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 full-sized NYT Crossword, the Mini version can be played for free on the New York Times website or through the NYT Games app. However, a subscription is required to access the archives of previous puzzles.


Tips for Solving the Mini Crossword

To successfully complete a mini crossword, start with the easier clues to build a foundation of letters and words. Focus on hints that have short answers or are based on common knowledge.


Pay attention to the intersecting letters as you fill in answers, as they can provide crucial hints for solving 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 familiar word patterns.


Common answers often relate to history, geography, and pop culture.


Before checking the hints, challenge yourself to solve the puzzle independently.


NYT Mini Crossword Answers for May 26, 2025

Still struggling with some tricky words? Here are the solutions for today's NYT Mini Crossword:


ACROSS Answers

  • 1) Endangers – RISKS
    6) “Bloomin’” item at Outback Steakhouse – ONION
    7) Up the ___ (plentifully) -WAZOO
    8) Lived (in) – DWELT
    9) “You wanted to see me because …?” – YES


DOWN Answers

  • 1) Rambunctious -ROWDY
    2) Totally blown away – INAWE
    3) S, M and L – SIZES
    4) ___-Aid Man, mascot known for smashing through walls and yelling “Oh, yeah!” – KOOL
    5) Pesky little twerp – SNOT


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. Various freelance creators have contributed to its development, with Joel Fagliano serving as the editor since its inception.


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