The New York Times Mini Crossword for June 16, 2025, is here with another quick and engaging puzzle. Designed for people who enjoy word games but don’t have a lot of time, the Mini is known for its compact 5x5 grid and straightforward clues. It's a daily favorite for anyone looking for a short, fun mental break.
Today's crossword offers a balanced mix of clues that cover general knowledge and familiar topics. The answers are simple but still require some clever thinking.
Across clues and their answers include:
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LORIS: A type of primate known for its slow movements and large eyes
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ALICE: The well-known character who met the Cheshire Cat
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BISON: The official national mammal of the United States
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EVENT: A gathering or activity people might RSVP to
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LESS: Often mistaken for “fewer,” especially in casual speech
Down clues and their answers include:
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LABEL: Found on clothing, usually showing care instructions
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OLIVE: A key ingredient in the spread known as tapenade
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RISES: Another word for getting up
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ICONS: The symbols or images you tap on a screen
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SENT: A word describing an email after it's been delivered
The Mini Crossword is available each day on the New York Times Games platform and can be played on the website or through the mobile app. The current day’s puzzle is free to play, while older ones require a subscription.
Looking for a fun brain teaser? Today's NYT Mini Crossword answers for June 16 offer a delightful challenge. Perfect for a quick mental workout, the clues are engaging and accessible. Whether you're a seasoned puzzler or new to crosswords, this mini vers… https://t.co/Unb7mIxROC
— Global News Report (@robinsnewswire) June 16, 2025
Why the Mini Puzzle Continues to Be a Daily Hit
What makes the NYT Mini Crossword so popular is its simplicity and speed. Many people enjoy solving it first thing in the morning or during a break in the day. It doesn’t take long—usually under five minutes—but it still gives you that satisfying feeling of solving a puzzle.
Here are a few reasons it has built such a strong following:
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Time-saving: The puzzle is short and doesn’t require a major time investment.
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User-friendly: Clues are easy to follow but still make you think.
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Accessible: The day’s puzzle is always free to play.
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Mentally refreshing: It provides a brief mental challenge without becoming stressful.
If you find yourself stuck on any clues, several websites—like Parade, Moneycontrol, and Word.tips—offer daily explanations and solutions soon after the puzzle goes live. These resources are helpful, especially for beginners or those trying to improve their crossword-solving skills.
Each Mini Crossword is designed to strike a balance between fun and challenge. Whether you’re new to puzzles or a longtime crossword fan, this mini-format game offers a reliable and rewarding way to engage your mind every day.