The New York Times Mini Crossword for June 25, 2025, is now live and puzzlers are already talking about the day's clues and answers. Consisting of a daily 5×5 crossword that should only take a matter of minutes to complete, the Mini Crossword is a puzzle well-known among current crossword fans for its clever wordplay and fast pace. Today's clues were everything from guitar effects to lines from classic movies.
Here are some examples of the Across clues:
“Guitar effect that imitates a voice.” — Answer: WAWA
“Red carpet figure, for short.” — Answer: CELEB
“Robert De Niro's 'You talkin' to me?' line was one.” — Answer: ADLIB
“JCPenney or Family Dollar.” — Answer: STORE
“'Hey there!'” — Answer: HOWDY
Some Down clues included:
“Dead set on, as a idea.” — Answer: WEDTO
“Permit.” — Answer: ALLOW
“A wee bit off.” — Answer: WEIRD
“Home for monks.” — Answer: ABBEY
“Successfully win, in sports betting-speak.” — Answer: CASH
These answers are often passed around among solvers to understand how to approach the next puzzle. Although the clues are short, are often based in wordplay, and allow the Mini to be fun and challenging.
Solving Strategies and Common Clue Types
While the Mini Crossword is technically smaller than the regular NYT Crossword, it tests your vocabulary, knowledge of pop culture, and deductive skills to the same degree.
Many players finish the Mini Puzzle in less than five minutes, but tricky clues can easily add minutes onto your time if you are not careful.
Experts advise players to fill out the "easy" clues first to establish some momentum. The clue "Red carpet person" (CELEB) or "Permit" (ALLOW) usually has straightforward answers. Once you have a few letters filled out, the other clues will come together more easily. It's also important to watch for clues may include puns or multiple meanings.
The answer may be a play on words, such as, "ADLIB" or "WAWA." This reflects how the Mini Crossword often plays with words and meanings.
For regular solvers, being aware of which clues slow you down will help improve your puzzle solving speed and ability over time. Themes or seasonal references are also not uncommon in Mini puzzles. Many Mini puzzles also may reference quotes around major holidays, events or seasons.
Fans now dedicate time regularly to look through the answers and tips every single day before they start their day. The MIn Puzzle answers might be come a type of daily brainteaser that you can do whether it's spring, summer, fall or winter.
