The New York Times Mini Crossword has become a daily ritual for many, offering a quick and engaging puzzle experience that resets every evening. Designed to be accessible and enjoyable, the Mini provides a refreshing alternative to its larger counterpart, catering to both seasoned solvers and newcomers alike.
Resetting at 10 p.m. EST on weekdays, the NYT Mini allows players to dive into a brief yet stimulating challenge. Unlike the full-sized crossword, which often requires a subscription, the Mini is freely available on The New York Times' online games platform, making it a popular choice for puzzle enthusiasts looking for a quick fix.
For those looking to solve the Mini Crossword for May 6, 2025, here are the clues and answers to help you along the way. The clues are divided into two categories: Across and Down.
Across Clues:
1 Across: Everest and Kilimanjaro: Abbr. — Answer: MTS
4 Across: A little horse — Answer: FOAL
5 Across: A little hoarse — Answer: RASPY
6 Across: Perfect — Answer: IDEAL
7 Across: Unlike houses that have been professionally staged — Answer: MESSY
Down Clues:
1 Down: Hero of the Passover Seder — Answer: MOSES
2 Down: Spanish small plates — Answer: TAPAS
3 Down: In a sneaky way — Answer: SLYLY
4 Down: Lessen over time — Answer: FADE
5 Down: What airballs fail to touch — Answer: RIM
For those who may be struggling with the puzzle, here are some hints to guide you:
Hints for Across:
1 Across: Starts with the letter “M”
4 Across: Starts with the letter “F”
5 Across: Starts with the letter “R”
6 Across: Starts with the letter “I”
7 Across: Starts with the letter “M”
Hints for Down:
1 Down: Ends with the letter “S”
2 Down: Ends with the letter “S”
3 Down: Ends with the letter “Y”
4 Down: Ends with the letter “E”
5 Down: Starts with the letter “R”
The NYT Mini Crossword was introduced on August 21, 2014, to provide a quicker and more accessible daily challenge, particularly for those who found the larger puzzle daunting. It features a compact 5×5 grid, although some puzzles may expand to a 7×7 format on occasion, especially on weekends.
Joel Fagliano, who has been editing the Mini Crossword since its inception, has ensured that the quality of the puzzle remains high, with various freelance creators contributing to its development over the years. This collaborative effort has helped the Mini Crossword gain a loyal following, with many players returning daily to test their skills.
In addition to the Mini Crossword, The New York Times offers a variety of other games, including Wordle, Connections, and Strands, all of which have their own unique appeal. For fans of word puzzles, the NYT games section provides a comprehensive suite of challenges, catering to different skill levels and preferences.
As players tackle the Mini, they often find themselves immersed in a world of wordplay and clever clues. The satisfaction of completing the puzzle, even in a short time frame, adds to the enjoyment and sense of accomplishment that many derive from this daily ritual.
For those who prefer to solve the puzzle independently, tips for success include starting with easier clues to build a foundation of letters and words. Observing intersecting letters can also provide valuable insights into solving more challenging clues. Additionally, players are encouraged to make educated guesses, as they can always be adjusted later.
The NYT Mini Crossword is not just a game; it reflects a cultural phenomenon that has captured the hearts of many. Its blend of accessibility, challenge, and enjoyment has made it a staple in the daily lives of puzzle enthusiasts. Whether played alone or with friends, the Mini serves as a delightful way to engage the mind and pass the time.
As the clock approaches 10 p.m. EST, players eagerly anticipate the release of the new puzzle, ready to dive into the latest set of clues and answers. The anticipation builds as they prepare to tackle the latest challenge, confident in their ability to solve the Mini and share their success with others.
With its continued popularity and evolving format, the NYT Mini Crossword remains a beloved fixture in the world of word games, inviting players to enjoy a moment of fun and mental exercise every day.
