The New York Times Mini Crossword has become a daily ritual for countless puzzle enthusiasts, offering quick challenges and stimulating brain teasers. On Saturday, February 1, 2025, fans of this beloved game were challenged with intriguing clues, with many turning to online resources for assistance. If you’re tackling today’s puzzle and need some help (we've all been there), check out the following hints and solutions!
The hints for the NYT Mini Crossword are laid out clearly to guide players through the clues.
NYT Mini Across Hints:
- 1 Across: Computing platform? — HINT: It starts with the letter "D".
- 5 Across: Campanelle is a bell-shaped variety of this — HINT: It ends with the letter "A".
- 6 Across: Daly of "Today" — HINT: It starts with the letter "C".
- 7 Across: Kickstarter supporters — HINT: It ends with the letter "S".
- 8 Across: Landlocked neighbor of Georgia and Azerbaijan — HINT: It starts with the letter "A".
- 9 Across: Sneaks a peek — HINT: It ends with the letter "S".
- 10 Across: Had a feeling about — HINT: It starts with the letter "S".
NYT Mini Down Hints:
- 1 Down: Grows dim — HINT: It ends with the letter "S".
- 2 Down: Magazine whose 50th anniversary issue featured Naomi Campbell on the cover — HINT: It starts with the letter "E".
- 3 Down: Legendary, as one's past — HINT: It ends with the letter "D".
- 4 Down: State school whose students chant "Rock Chalk, Jayhawk!" — HINT: It starts with the letter "K".
- 5 Down: Pellet-chomping arcade character — HINT: It ends with the letter "N".
- 6 Down: Eric _____, author of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" — HINT: It starts with the letter "C".
- 7 Down: Items strapped to a golf cart — HINT: It ends with the letter "S".
Now, let’s reveal the answers to today’s Mini Crossword so you can see how you did!
NYT Mini Across Answers:
- 1 Across: Computing platform? — DESK
- 5 Across: Campanelle is a bell-shaped variety of this — PASTA
- 6 Across: Daly of "Today" — CARSON
- 7 Across: Kickstarter supporters — BACKERS
- 8 Across: Landlocked neighbor of Georgia and Azerbaijan — ARMENIA
- 9 Across: Sneaks a peek — GLANCES
- 10 Across: Had a feeling about — SENSED
NYT Mini Down Answers:
- 1 Down: Grows dim — DARKENS
- 2 Down: Magazine whose 50th anniversary issue featured Naomi Campbell on the cover — ESSENCE
- 3 Down: Legendary, as one's past — STORIED
- 4 Down: State school whose students chant "Rock Chalk, Jayhawk!" — KANSAS
- 5 Down: Pellet-chomping arcade character — PACMAN
- 6 Down: Eric _____, author of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" — CARLE
- 7 Down: Items strapped to a golf cart — BAGS
For avid players and occasional solvers alike, the Mini Crossword is more than just puzzle-solving; it's part of the fabric of daily life. Gael Fashingbauer Cooper, writer at CNET, has enjoyed extensive experience with the game, helping others with hints and insights since 1989. Her contributions make these puzzles accessible, encouraging interactions about the game’s nuances. She highlights the community aspect by sharing tips and correcting common missteps when players use present tense verbs instead of the past tense, which can lead to errors.
Indeed, participating in the NYT Mini Crossword is not only entertaining but also serves as an engaging mental exercise. The format, typically featuring 3-5 clues across various levels of difficulty, sets it apart from other puzzles, making it appealing both to new solvers and veteran enthusiasts.
With the February 1 puzzle now tackled, puzzle fans can look forward to the next daily challenge. Those who wish to explore older puzzles will need to subscribe to the NYT Games section for access; thankfully, the current puzzles remain open to all players for free.
Just like any good puzzle, the satisfaction of solving one and sharing results with others is where the joy truly lies. Did you finish today’s Mini quickly, or did you find yourself wrestling with some of the tougher clues? Either way, the New York Times Mini Crossword continues to be enjoyed by many, fostering community and shared challenges.